An F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during a Greek air force demonstration in Tanagra. The two pilots on board were killed.
The tragic accident occurred shortly before 3:00 PM on Saturday, in front of the eyes of the Athens Flight Week spectators.
Earlier, it was reported that the two pilots were ejected unconscious. According to reports, there is a recorded conversation between the two experienced pilots and the control center in the minutes before the crash.
It is said that the pilots did not activate the plane's emergency landing system, as happens in the event of a malfunction, in order not to endanger civilians and to direct the Phantom away from residential areas and spectators.
A HAF F-4 Phantom II just crashed at the Athens Fling Week airshow. We can only hope for the best, but I saw no parachutes. He hit the ground coming out of a turn. pic.twitter.com/JtW4YdPJ5x
— Sova?? (@sovva1_1) September 5, 2026
In a video posted on social media, the Phantom jet is seen suddenly losing altitude and then crashing into a field. Part of the plane crashed into a nearby factory. After the crash, a fire broke out and spread to a rural area.
Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, interrupted his agenda to rush back to Athens. ©LAPSI.al
