Two pilots killed as Greek Air Force F-4E Phantom crashes during Athens Flying Week near Tanagra
Crash at 14:55 on September 5, 2026 during Athens Flying Week; military commission investigating causes.
Two pilots were killed when a Greek Air Force F-4E Phantom crashed during the air show "Athens Flying Week" near Tanagra Air Base on September 5, 2026. The accident occurred at 14:55 local time while thousands of spectators were attending the event.
Initial reports say the crew did not eject. Media coverage in Greece indicated they did not attempt to use their ejection seats because the jet was flying close to the spectator area.
Military confirms fatalities; investigation opened
The Hellenic Air Force confirmed the deaths of both pilots and said a military aviation commission has been appointed to investigate the causes of the crash. Authorities have not yet released a determination on what led to the accident.
Organizers and local authorities said the F-4 went down at least one kilometre from where spectators were gathered. Witnesses and video posted online captured the moment the aircraft appeared to lose control and strike the ground.
Further details about the identities of the pilots and the preliminary findings of the inquiry are expected to be released by the Hellenic Air Force as the investigation proceeds.
Photo: ©2008 K. Krallis, SV1XV / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
