Military jet crashes during Athens air show, killing both pilots

A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom crashed and exploded in front of thousands of spectators at the Athens Flying Week air show, killing both pilots. No spectators were injured.

The aircraft had just taken off when it suddenly lost altitude during what military sources described as a low-altitude maneuver. A journalist from Greece’s public broadcaster ERT, who was at the scene, reported that the crash triggered a fire and sent columns of black smoke into the sky. Video footage showed smoke rising from the impact site, followed by a larger second explosion as the aircraft broke apart.

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The feeling of grief is widespread, and our thoughts are with the families of the two pilots we lost.

Air Force officials said rescuers found both pilots dead. The rescue operation initially faced difficulties because of the fire at Tanagra air base, about 60 kilometers north of Athens. More than 10 aircraft and water-dropping helicopters joined 85 firefighters in containing the blaze, which remained some distance from the spectators’ area. Nearby residents were ordered to evacuate, and organizers canceled the events planned for the rest of the weekend.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed grief for the two pilots and said the crash highlighted the daily danger faced by Greek aviators. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed both deaths and ordered three days of mourning for the armed forces, from Saturday through Monday. Military sources said each pilot had thousands of hours of flight experience. Cyprus’s defense minister, Vasilis Palmas, also called Dendias to convey his government’s condolences.

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It is a reminder of the daily danger faced by Greece’s aviators, who remain constantly alert to protect the skies.