Two Pilots Killed in Greek F-4 Phantom Crash at Air Show
A Greek military jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week display at Tanagra Air Base, killing both crew members and sparking a wildfire.
KEY POINTS
- F-4 Phantom crashed during Athens Flying Week at Tanagra Air Base on 5 September 2026
- Both pilots killed; cause unknown, aircraft suddenly lost altitude during display
- Crash triggered wildfire; major firefighting operation with 115 personnel and 13 aerial assets
- Defence Minister Dendias returned to Athens; remaining air show events cancelled
- Road closures on Athens–Lamia motorway service road and Oinoi provincial road
A twin-seat F-4 Phantom jet crashed on Saturday during the Athens Flying Week 2026 air show at Tanagra Air Base, north of Athens. Both pilots aboard were killed, according to Greek defence officials.
The aircraft was performing a display manoeuvre in front of thousands of spectators when it suddenly lost altitude and plunged to the ground, causing an explosion on impact. The exact cause remains under investigation.
“We were all shocked, the plane had been airborne for no more than three minutes”
The crash ignited a wildfire that spread to surrounding forested areas. Emergency services deployed 115 firefighters with 36 vehicles, three ground teams, nine aircraft and four helicopters to contain the blaze.
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his visit to the Thessaloniki International Fair and returned to Athens. Organisers cancelled all remaining Athens Flying Week events scheduled for the weekend.
Police closed the service road of the Athens–Lamia national motorway and the Oinoi provincial road near Oinoi due to the fire. By Saturday evening, authorities reported the fire situation had improved.
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