A Greek Air Force F-4E Phantom II crashed during the Athens Flying Week near Tanagra, killing both pilots and prompting the suspension of the airshow.
WEB DESK: Two Greek Air Force pilots were killed after an F-4E Phantom II fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week airshow near Tanagra on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The aircraft crashed shortly after beginning its aerial demonstration at Tanagra Air Base, north of Athens. Thousands of spectators witnessed the incident, while thick black smoke rose from the crash site.
Fighter jet lost altitude during demonstration
The F-4 Phantom, operated by the Hellenic Air Force’s 338th Squadron, was carrying two pilots when it lost altitude during a maneuver and struck the ground.
Greek public broadcaster ERT reported that the aircraft suddenly began losing altitude during the display. The crash occurred shortly before 3 p.m. local time.
The aircraft crashed about two kilometres from the airport, according to Reuters. Emergency crews responded after the crash triggered a fire that spread toward nearby woodland.
Two pilots killed
Both pilots aboard the aircraft died in the crash, according to Greek authorities and multiple news reports.
The Greek Air Force later confirmed that the two crew members suffered fatal injuries. Their identities were released using initials in the initial official reporting.
The circumstances surrounding whether the pilots were able to activate the aircraft’s ejection system were initially unclear. Reports that they did not eject have circulated, but the official investigation will determine the circumstances.
Airshow suspended after crash
The Athens Flying Week event was suspended following the accident, and spectators were instructed to leave the area.
Emergency responders deployed firefighting aircraft and helicopters to control the blaze caused by the crash. Reuters reported that no injuries were reported among spectators or nearby residents.
The fire response involved multiple firefighting aircraft and helicopters as crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading further.
Investigation underway
The cause of the crash has not yet been established.
The Greek Air Force has appointed an investigation committee to determine what caused the F-4 Phantom to lose altitude during the demonstration.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his scheduled programme and returned to Athens following the accident. The Greek armed forces also declared three days of mourning after the deaths of the two pilots.
The F-4 Phantom is a Cold War-era fighter aircraft that Greece has operated in upgraded forms for decades. The aircraft involved in Saturday’s crash was an F-4E Phantom II assigned to the Hellenic Air Force’s 338th Squadron.
Further details about the cause of the accident are expected as the official investigation progresses.
