“He Only Wanted to Fly”: Friend Mourns Greek Pilot Killed Before Daughter’s Baptism

“He only wanted to fly.” That was how a close family friend described 37-year-old Squadron Leader Dimitrios Petrou, who had dreamed since childhood of serving his country in the air.

The fighter jet crashed shortly after taking off from Tanagra airfield during events for Athens Flying Week. The two pilots died under circumstances that remained unclear, in front of spectators of all ages. The report said they did not use their ejection seats, apparently preventing the aircraft from falling uncontrollably onto viewers or a populated area. Their actions stopped a potentially larger tragedy, but left both families grieving.

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He wanted only this.

Petrou, from Polystafilo in Preveza, had excelled at school and could have pursued several professions, including teaching, law or medicine, the family friend told tanea.gr. But flying was the only path he wanted. His family had been deeply proud when he entered the Air Force.

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His family were so proud, they admired their boy.

The pilot had a five-month-old daughter and did not live to see her baptism, which had been scheduled for Sept. 12. The family friend described Petrou and his wife as a devoted couple living in Andravida, where he served. Relatives gathered with the family, while his wife and sister were described as devastated and in shock.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias ordered three days of mourning in the armed forces.

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Everyone is in shock, in pain and crying. I am very worried about his sister because I did not see her doing well at all.