Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Greek F-4 Phantom Crashes at Air Show, Killing Pilots
A Greek fighter jet crashed during an air show near Athens.
The plane was a two-seat F-4 Phantom.
It was taking part in Athens Flying Week at Tanagra Air Force Base.
Videos showed it turning very close to the ground before losing altitude.
The crash caused explosions, flames and thick black smoke.
Officials said both pilots died.
No spectators or nearby residents were reported injured.
Firefighters and aircraft worked to stop the fire, while the rest of the show was canceled and nearby people were evacuated.
A Greek two-seat F-4 Phantom crashed during Athens Flying Week at Tanagra Air Force Base on Saturday.
Officials said both pilots died after the aircraft crashed during a low-altitude maneuver.
Video showed the jet turning close to the ground before losing altitude, breaking apart and erupting into flames.
Reports differed on the crash location, citing about 100 meters from spectators or roughly two kilometers outside the airport.
Firefighters, aircraft and helicopters contained a nearby forest fire; the remaining events were canceled and people were told to leave.
- Who
- The two Greek Air Force pilots aboard the F-4 Phantom died; thousands of spectators attended the event.
- What
- A Greek F-4 Phantom crashed during an air-show maneuver, killing both pilots and causing a fire.
- When
- Saturday, during the annual Athens Flying Week; the articles did not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- At or near Tanagra Air Force Base, about 60 kilometers north of Athens, Greece. Reports differed on whether the crash was about 100 meters from spectators or roughly two kilometers outside the airport.
- Why
- The aircraft crashed while performing a low-altitude maneuver after losing altitude; the cause of the accident was not reported.
- Aircraft
- Two-seat Greek F-4 Phantom fighter jet
- Event
- Athens Flying Week
- Location
- Tanagra Air Force Base, about 60 kilometers north of Athens
- Fatalities
- Both pilots were killed
- Spectator safety
- Officials reported no injuries among spectators or bystanders
- Emergency response
- Eleven water-dropping aircraft and helicopters assisted 85 firefighters in containing the blaze
- Aftermath
- The remaining weekend events were canceled, nearby residents were told to leave, and the Greek Air Force declared three days of mourning
Sources
Watch: Two pilots killed as Greek Air Force jet crashes during an air show near Athens
Greek F-4 Phantom Fighter Jet Crashes At Athens Air Show, Killing Two Pilots
Greek F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during airshow near Athens
