An alert was raised at Greece’s Tanagra air base at midday on Saturday when a two-seat F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during an aerial display as part of Athens Flying Week. There has been no official information so far on the condition of the aircraft’s crew, and according to philenews information, the aircraft did not have the capability for the crew to eject.
The circumstances of the crash remain unclear for now. According to initial information, the aircraft went down from low altitude onto the base’s runway shortly before landing, while hundreds of spectators were watching the display from close by.
According to witness accounts, the aircraft appeared to be emitting smoke before it went down. The same witnesses say the aircraft suddenly began losing altitude and crashed.
According to initial information, the aircraft broke into two pieces, and a fire broke out at two separate points. A firefighting helicopter is dropping water in an effort to put out the fire.
People at the scene were shocked, and organisers immediately began evacuating the area. Athens Flying Week has been suspended for the time being.
Athens Flying Week is being held at Tanagra air base over two days, September 5 and 6, with the participation of Greek and foreign military aircraft.
(information from protothema.gr)
