A tragic accident occurred during the "Athens Flying Week" air show held at the Tanagra military base, located north of the Greek capital, Athens. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, an F-4 Phantom military aircraft crashed just minutes after takeoff.
The incident, which unfolded before thousands of spectators, occurred while the fighter jet was performing a low-altitude maneuver. The aircraft suddenly lost altitude, struck the ground, and burst into flames. Eyewitnesses told the "ERT" television channel that the aircraft remained airborne for approximately three minutes. Footage circulating on social media shows the fighter attempting a sharp right turn at a low altitude before losing control and crashing.
Official authorities have confirmed that both pilots on board were killed in the crash. Following the impact, a fire broke out in the surrounding forested area. Emergency services, including 115 firefighters, 36 specialized vehicles, and aerial support units, were deployed to the scene. Authorities issued alerts via the "112" emergency line to nearby residents regarding the fire hazard, and several roads, including the Athens-Lamia highway, were temporarily closed as a security precaution. The fire was subsequently brought under control.
Following the tragedy, the remainder of the "Athens Flying Week" air show was canceled. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his program to return to Athens. An investigation is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the crash.
Air shows, such as the Athens Flying Week, are significant international aviation events that serve to demonstrate military capabilities and foster cooperation between air forces. While these events are strictly regulated, high-performance aerial maneuvers inherently carry risks, and aviation authorities worldwide maintain rigorous safety protocols to mitigate such incidents during public displays.
