Greek air force jet crashes at an annual aerial show, killing 2 pilots

ATHENS, Greece — A Greek air force jet crashed during an aerial show near Athens on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of the two pilots, officials reported. The twin-seat Phantom F4 jet experienced a low-altitude maneuver when it crashed. After the crash, a fire erupted, producing thick plumes of black smoke. Spectators remained unharmed.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis conveyed deep sorrow, stating, “Our thoughts are with the families of the two pilots we lost.” “It is a reminder of the daily danger faced by Greece’s aviators, who remain on constant standby to protect Greece’s skies.” The bodies of the pilots were recovered during a rescue operation, but the firefighting effort was initially complicated by the fire at Tanagra air force base, located 60 kilometers north of Athens.

Eleven water-dropping planes and helicopters aided 85 firefighters in containing the blaze, which remained a considerable distance from the viewing area at Athens Flying Week, a yearly air show. Organizers subsequently canceled the remaining scheduled events for the weekend. An evacuation order was issued for a nearby area. Video footage captured a rising plume of smoke after the impact, followed by a larger explosion nearby as the plane disintegrated.

Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas extended condolences to his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, expressing the government's deep sadness over the loss of two Hellenic Air Force officers during the tragic accident at Tanagra Air Base. The air force declared three days of mourning.