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

A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom crashed on Saturday during a flying display at the Athens Flying Week. The two-seat jet went down at Tanagra air base, about 60 kilometres north of Athens, a few minutes after the demonstration began and in front of thousands of spectators. Both crew members died, according to the Greek Air Force. No spectators were reported injured.

Witnesses and Greek media said the fighter lost altitude suddenly and struck the ground near the edge of the military airfield. The impact caused an explosion, and black smoke rose over the area. The aircraft split into at least two large pieces, and fires started at several points on the crash site. Eighty-five firefighters were deployed, along with eleven firefighting aircraft and helicopters. The crash site was not far from where the German aircraft were positioned.

The air show was cancelled after the accident. The German Air Force was also taking part in the event, with Eurofighter, Tornado and an Airbus A400M on display at Tanagra. The Athens Flying Week is an annual event and describes itself as the largest air show in south-eastern Europe. The cause of the crash is not yet known.