A Greek F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during an air show at Tanagra Air Base, near Athens, killing both pilots
14:05, 05 Sep 2026Updated 23:20, 05 Sep 2026
The two-seat F-4 Phantom fighter jet was seen losing altitude several minutes before the crash
Two pilots have died after a Greek F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed in front of thousands of spectators during an air show near Athens.
The crash happened at Tanagra Air Base shortly before 3pm local time (1pm BST) on Saturday during a display held as part of Athens Flying Week, according to Greek public broadcaster ERT.
ERT reported that an explosion occurred immediately after the crash. The fighter jet was seen losing altitude and descending towards the ground several minutes before the crash, which took place in front of thousands of people, the broadcaster said.
Video footage showed a column of black smoke rising into the sky just a few hundred metres from spectators at the event. A firefighting helicopter circled above the crash site as crews worked to contain two separate fires.
The bodies of the two pilots were recovered during a rescue operation.
The Hellenic Air Force has declared three days of mourning following the crash.