Omanghana
Two Hellenic Air Force pilots were killed after their twin-seat F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week air show at Tanagra Air Base on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The accident occurred during a low-altitude display before thousands of spectators at the annual aviation event, held approximately 60 kilometers north of Athens.
Footage broadcast by Greece’s public broadcaster ERT showed the aircraft banking into a right turn only a few meters above the ground. Moments later, it struck the ground and exploded into a fireball.
A second explosion was recorded nearby as the aircraft broke apart. One witness said the jet had been airborne for less than three minutes before it crashed approximately two kilometers outside the airfield.
The Hellenic Air Force confirmed that both officers aboard the aircraft were killed. Their bodies were recovered during a search operation that was initially complicated by the fire created by the crash.
No spectators, residents or other people on the ground were reported injured.
The impact ignited a fire that spread toward woodland near the airbase, sending thick columns of black smoke into the sky. Authorities issued a localized evacuation order while loudspeaker announcements instructed visitors to leave the air-show grounds.
About 85 firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, supported by 11 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters. The fire remained some distance from the main spectator area.
Athens Flying Week organizers halted the program immediately and cancelled all remaining displays scheduled for the weekend.
The Hellenic Air Force declared three days of mourning following the deaths. Officials said the aircraft involved belonged to the 117th Combat Wing and crashed at approximately 2:55 p.m., southeast of Tanagra’s 114th Combat Wing facilities.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences to the families of the two officers, describing the crash as a painful reminder of the risks faced by military aviators.
“The sense of grief is widespread, and our thoughts are with the families of the two pilots we lost,” Mitsotakis said. “It is a reminder of the daily danger faced by Greece’s aviators, who remain on constant standby to protect Greece’s skies.”
Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas also contacted his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, to convey condolences on behalf of the government and people of Cyprus.
The Hellenic Air Force has established an investigative committee to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s technical condition, maintenance records and the circumstances surrounding the low-altitude maneuver.
Authorities had not announced a preliminary cause, and there was no immediate confirmation that the pilots attempted to eject before the aircraft struck the ground.
Source: Omanghana
