ATHENS: A Greek F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed on Saturday afternoon during the Athens Flying Week air show at Tanagra Air Base, killing the two pilots, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported.
The aircraft reportedly lost altitude suddenly and crashed just minutes after the Hellenic Air Force’s flight demonstration began.
No injuries have been reported among spectators so far.
NEW: A Hellenic Air Force F-4E Phantom II has crashed while performing a solo display at Athens Flying Week in Tanagra, Greece.
No parachutes were visible following the crash, and there is no official confirmation regarding the condition of the crew. pic.twitter.com/zrCHC8g3vl
— Tabz (@TabzLIVE) September 5, 2026
The aircraft had just taken off when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed, said a journalist from public broadcaster ERT who was at the scene.
There was an explosion immediately after the crash, which happened before thousands of visitors watching the annual “Athens Flying Week”.
A fire service helicopter was dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze caused by the crash, ERT reported.
Greece’s 112 emergency alert system was activated because of the fire, urging people in the area to remain vigilant and follow authorities’ instructions. Traffic restrictions were also imposed as emergency crews responded to the wildfire.
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias cancelled a trip to Thessaloniki’s International Fair to visit the scene of the accident.
F-4 Phantom II
The F-4 Phantom II is a twin-engine, two-seat, supersonic fighter aircraft originally developed by US aerospace company McDonnell Aircraft for the US Navy. It made its first flight on 27 May 1958 and entered service in 1961.
Designed initially as an all-weather interceptor for fleet defence, the Phantom proved highly versatile and was later adapted for air-to-air combat, ground attack and reconnaissance missions.
It became one of the most widely used military aircraft of the Cold War era, serving with the US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, as well as numerous foreign air forces. More than 5,000 F-4s were produced before production ended in 1979.
Greece began operating the F-4E Phantom II in the 1970s, with the first aircraft entering Hellenic Air Force service in 1974. Greece subsequently upgraded a number of its Phantoms under the Peace Icarus 2000 programme, equipping them with modernised avionics, radar and navigation systems.
