ATHENS: Two pilots were killed on Saturday after a Greek F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during the Athens Airshow, with thousands of spectators witnessing the tragedy.
The aircraft, operated by the Hellenic Air Force’s 338th Mira Squadron, crashed while performing a manoeuvre at Tanagra Air Base during Athens Flying Week.
Witnesses captured the incident on camera, while huge clouds of black smoke rose from the crash site as emergency crews rushed to the area.
Fighter jet loses altitude during manoeuvre
The F-4 Phantom was carrying out a manoeuvre when it lost altitude after making a turn and subsequently struck the ground.
Both pilots died in the crash. Initial reports indicated that they apparently did not have enough time to eject from the aircraft before impact.
The crash triggered a fire that spread into nearby woodland, prompting an immediate emergency response.
No injuries were reported among spectators or airshow crew members.
Airshow suspended after deadly crash
Emergency services deployed 11 firefighting aircraft and helicopters to help contain the blaze following the crash.
Authorities suspended the Athens Airshow after the incident and instructed attendees to leave the premises.
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The accident brought the event to an abrupt halt as emergency teams worked to secure the crash site and control the fire.
F-4 Phantom nearing end of service
Greece has operated upgraded versions of the F-4 Phantom, a Cold War-era fighter aircraft, for decades.
However, the aircraft is now approaching the end of its operational service life as Greece continues to modernise its air force.
The F-4 Phantom has been a long-serving part of Greece’s military aviation fleet, making Saturday’s crash a significant incident for the Hellenic Air Force.
Investigation launched
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched to determine what led to the aircraft losing altitude.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his schedule and returned to Athens following the accident.
Authorities are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data and circumstances surrounding the fatal manoeuvre as part of the investigation.
