Two Greek Air Force pilots were killed Saturday when an F-4E Phantom II fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week air show near Tanagra, north of Athens.
The crash occurred at 2:55 p.m., about 3 nautical miles southeast of Tanagra’s military air base. The jet, operated by the Air Force’s 338 Squadron, lost altitude and crashed into farmland in front of spectators. Part of the aircraft struck a nearby industrial facility, starting a fire that spread to surrounding rural and wooded areas.
The crew members, identified by the Air Force as a squadron leader and a captain, were found unconscious and later confirmed dead. Their names were released by the Air Force using their initials.
Preliminary reports said the pilots did not activate the aircraft’s ejection system and may have attempted to steer the jet away from spectators and populated areas. A recorded exchange between the pilots and ground control in the minutes before the crash was reportedly available. The reports had not been independently confirmed.
The crash prompted an extensive firefighting response and traffic restrictions in the area. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his visit to the Thessaloniki International Fair and returned to Athens.
