2 pilots killed after Greek air force plane crashes at annual air show

A Greek air force plane crashed during an air show north of Athens on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of the two pilots, according to officials. The incident occurred as thousands of spectators gathered for the event. Following the crash, a fire erupted, producing substantial plumes of black smoke. Remarkably, there were no injuries among the onlookers.

The crash of the twin-seat Phantom F4 jet took place while the pilots were executing a low-altitude maneuver. Air force officials in Greece disclosed that the bodies of the two pilots were recovered during a rescue operation, which was initially complicated by the fire at the Tanagra air force base, located approximately 40 miles north of Athens.

To combat the blaze, eleven planes and helicopters equipped with water-dropping capabilities, along with 85 firefighters, collaborated in the containment efforts. The blaze, although situated some distance from the viewing area at the Athens Flying Week, an annual air show, prompted organizers to cancel the remaining events scheduled for the weekend.

Moreover, the fire led to an evacuation order in a nearby area surrounding the base. Video footage capturing the crash depicted a plume of smoke ascending from the impact point, succeeded by a more significant explosion nearby as the plane disintegrated. Cyprus’ Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas conveyed his condolences to Greece’s counterpart, Nikos Dendias, expressing the government's sorrow over the loss of the two Hellenic Air Force officers who perished in the tragic accident that transpired during the air show at Tanagra Air Base.