Phantom crash near Tanagra: Investigation continues as first clues emerge

Investigators are examining every available image and radio exchange after an F-4E Phantom II crashed during an air show near Tanagra, killing both members of its crew. The aircraft, operated by the 338 Squadron of the 117 Combat Wing, went down at 2:55 p.m., about three nautical miles southeast of the 114 Combat Wing.

The victims were identified as Flight Lieutenant Ioannis Blesias, 40, and Squadron Leader Dimitrios Petros, 37. Defence Minister Nikos Dendias declared three days of mourning across the Armed Forces, from Saturday, September 5, through Monday, September 7.

Authorities sealed off the crash site and collected the aircraft’s wreckage. The material will be examined by the committee responsible for investigating the air accident. Investigators are focusing on videos from cameras that captured the flight from different angles, as well as footage recorded by eyewitnesses.

The pilots’ communications with the control tower are also expected to be crucial. Investigators will seek to determine whether either pilot reported a technical fault or another problem before the crash.

The wreckage also triggered a major firefighting operation. Kostas Tsigkas, president of the Fire Service Officers’ Association, told ERTnews that burning aircraft fragments started fires in separate locations. “The fire broke out on two fronts. The burning parts of the aircraft created fires both in woodland and in areas near factories in the industrial zone,” he said.

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The fire broke out on two fronts. The burning parts of the aircraft created fires both in woodland and in areas near factories in the industrial zone.