Both pilots aboard a Hellenic Air Force Phantom F-4 fighter jet were killed on Saturday afternoon after their aircraft crashed during a live demonstration at the Athens Flying Week 2026 event at Tanagra Air Base.
The crash occurred in the opening minutes of the jet’s aerobatic routine in front of thousands of spectators. Footage captured at the airfield showed the fighter executing a turn before abruptly losing altitude and impacting the ground within the air base perimeter.
Air show organizers immediately halted the event and instructed spectators over the public address system to evacuate the site to allow emergency responders clear access.
Following the crash, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his visit to the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair to return urgently to Athens.
The impact triggered a wildfire in adjacent woodland. Fire Service officials deployed 95 firefighters, two specialized foot units, 29 fire engines, nine firefighting aircraft, and four helicopters to contain the blaze.
Authorities issued an emergency 112 alert for the surrounding area and implemented local traffic diversions on nearby service roads.
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