A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet has crashed during an airshow at Tanagra Air Base, north of Athens, killing both pilots on board.
The aircraft went down shortly after take-off on Saturday as it was taking part in the Athens Flying Week, one of Greece’s major aviation events.
Witnesses said the fighter had been airborne for less than three minutes before losing altitude during a low-level manoeuvre and crashing about two kilometres from the airfield.
Footage from Greece’s public broadcaster, ERT, showed the aircraft making a low right-hand turn before plunging to the ground and erupting into flames.
The impact triggered a large fire, sending thick black smoke into the sky and prompting an immediate emergency response.
Authorities deployed 85 firefighters, 23 vehicles and 11 firefighting aircraft and helicopters to contain the blaze, which spread into nearby vegetation.
The crash occurred in front of thousands of spectators attending the annual event. However, officials said there were no reported injuries among spectators or people living in the surrounding area.
The airshow was suspended following the incident, while spectators in the affected area were instructed to evacuate as emergency crews worked to secure the scene.
The identities of the two pilots have not been widely released, while the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The accident has cast a shadow over this year’s Athens Flying Week, which was scheduled for September 5 and 6 at Tanagra Air Base.
The event had attracted thousands of aviation enthusiasts and featured military and civilian aircraft from Greece and several other countries. Organisers had described this year’s edition as one of the biggest aviation gatherings in Southeastern Europe.
The programme included appearances by Greek F-16s, Rafales, Mirage 2000-5s and M-346s, alongside international aircraft such as Eurofighters, F-18 Hornets and A400M transport planes.
The F-4 Phantom was also expected to be one of the highlights of the event, with the legendary aircraft gradually being phased out of active Greek service.
The event organisers had promoted the F-4 as part of the show’s tribute to different generations of military aviation.
Following the crash, Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias, cancelled a scheduled visit to the Thessaloniki International Fair and travelled to the scene.
The remaining airshow programme was subsequently cancelled as emergency services continued their operations.
Greek authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including what caused the aircraft to lose altitude during the display.
