A Greek Air Force F-4 crashed during Athens Flying Week, killing two pilots.
Why it matters: The crash underscores the safety risks of military demonstration flights at a public air show. It also raises immediate questions about operations at Tanagra Air Base while investigators have not confirmed a cause.
- AP and Reuters said the crash happened during Athens Flying Week at Tanagra Air Base near Athens.
- AP reported the aircraft was a twin-seat F-4 Phantom and that both pilots died.
- Reuters, citing a Greek Air Force official, said the plane was a two-seat F-4 Phantom and crashed at Tanagra airport near Athens.
- Greek broadcaster ERT showed black smoke rising near spectators after the incident.
A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom crashed during an aerial demonstration at Athens Flying Week at Tanagra Air Base near Tanagra, north of Athens, according to AP and Reuters. Both outlets said the two pilots on board were killed.
AP reported that the aircraft was a twin-seat F-4 Phantom and said the cause of the crash was not yet confirmed. Reuters, citing a Greek Air Force official, also identified the plane as a two-seat F-4 Phantom and said it came down at Tanagra airport near Athens.
Greek public broadcaster ERT first reported the incident and showed video of a column of black smoke rising near spectators. ERT said the crash occurred during the air demonstration.
The annual Athens Flying Week 2026 was scheduled for Sept. 5-6 at Tanagra Air Base, according to the event organizer.
By the numbers
- 2 - pilots killed in the crash, according to AP and Reuters.
- Sept. 5-6 - dates scheduled for Athens Flying Week 2026 at Tanagra Air Base.
Yes, but: The cause of the crash was not yet confirmed in the reports cited by AP and Reuters.