Greek F-4 Phantom crashes at air show, two pilots killed

A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at Tanagra Air Base near Athens on Saturday, September 5, 2026, killing the two pilots aboard. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. during the Athens Flying Week air show, an annual event attended by thousands of spectators. The twin-seat Phantom jet crashed shortly after beginning its demonstration flight, sending a large plume of black smoke into the sky. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be emitting smoke before it suddenly lost altitude and impacted the ground. The aircraft broke apart on impact, with fires reported at the crash site. According to initial information, the two pilots, officers serving with the 117th Fighter Wing, were recovered dead from the wreckage. Reports suggest the crew may not have had time to activate the aircraft's ejection systems before the crash, and no parachutes were observed deploying. Emergency services, including firefighters and helicopters, were quickly dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze. Approximately 85 firefighters and 23 vehicles were mobilized, supported by firefighting aircraft and helicopters.