Two pilots were killed after a Greek F-4 Phantom fighter crashed at Athens Airshow on Saturday with thousands witnessing the tragedy. The tragic incident was captured on camera by the airshow spectators.
Huge clouds of black smoke could be seen rising from the crash site as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
The aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force’s 338th Mira Squadron was performing a maneuver at Tanagra Air Base, during the Athens Flying Week, when it lost altitude after a turn and hit the ground.
Both pilots were killed as apparently they didn’t have enough time to eject to save their lives.
The fire erupted from the crash and spread into nearby woodland; however, no one from spectators or crew members were reported injured. Emergency crews, including 11 firefighting aircraft and helicopters, were sent to the area to contain the blaze.
The event was suspended after the incident and attendees were asked to leave the premises.
Greece has been flying upgraded versions of the Cold War-era Phantom for decades, although the aircraft is now nearing the end of its service life.
The cause of the crash remains unknown and an investigation is underway.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his schedule and returned to Athens following the accident.
2026-09-05 21:15:00
