Greek air show suspended after Phantom F-4 crashes before thousands of spectators

A Phantom F-4 fighter jet crashed shortly after takeoff during an air demonstration at Tanagra air base near Athens, in front of several thousand spectators. Two fires broke out at the crash site, sending a column of black smoke near the viewing area.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from the aircraft before it rapidly lost altitude and fell. The plane reportedly broke into two sections, with the fires burning in separate areas. Two helicopters joined the firefighting operation, while another water-carrying aircraft flew over the site to help contain the flames.

About 85 firefighters and 23 emergency vehicles were deployed. Seven aircraft and four helicopters supported the response from the air. Athens Flying Week organizers immediately suspended the event and began evacuating spectators.

No casualties among those attending the show had been reported when the article was published. The condition of the two crew members remained uncertain. Air force officials said they did not know whether the pilots had managed to eject before the crash, and an official said a search-and-rescue operation was underway.

The crash occurred during the annual Athens Flying Week at Tanagra. The article also noted that it came weeks after a helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos that killed a British couple on their honeymoon and their Greek pilot.

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A search-and-rescue operation is underway.