Two Greek military pilots were killed on Saturday when an F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during an air show at Tanagra air base, north of Athens, officials said.
The aircraft went down just minutes after taking off as part of Athens Flying Week, one of south-eastern Europe’s largest aviation events.
Thousands of spectators were watching the display when the two-seat fighter suddenly lost altitude during a low-level manoeuvre before hitting the ground and bursting into flames.
“Unfortunately the two pilots are dead,” one official told Reuters.
Video broadcast by Greece’s ERT showed the aircraft making a sharp right-hand turn only metres above the ground moments before the crash. A large fireball followed the impact, sending smoke into the sky and igniting vegetation in the surrounding area.
An eyewitness described the moment as sudden and shocking.
“We were all stunned. It hadn't been airborne for more than three minutes,” the witness told ERT.
The crash triggered a wildfire in a nearby forested area, prompting a large emergency response. Around 115 firefighters and 36 vehicles were sent to the scene, supported by aircraft and helicopters working to contain the flames.
Authorities also issued an alert through Greece’s 112 emergency system, warning people in the wider area about the fire.
Police temporarily closed nearby roads, including a service road along the Athens-Lamia national motorway and the Oinoi provincial road, as emergency crews worked at the scene.
The fire was eventually contained, officials said.
The F-4 had been taking part in Athens Flying Week, held this year on 5 and 6 September.
The annual event features military and civilian aircraft from several countries, with demonstrations including formation flying, demanding aerial manoeuvres and parachute displays.
Organisers cancelled the remaining events following the fatal crash.
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias also cut short his programme at the Thessaloniki International Fair and travelled back to Athens following news of the deaths.
The circumstances that caused the aircraft to crash remain unclear, and no immediate explanation was given for the sudden loss of altitude.
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