A Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom crashed during a flying display at Tanagra air base near Athens on Saturday, killing both pilots and forcing the immediate suspension of the Athens Flying Week air show. The twin-seat jet went down only minutes after the demonstration began, struck the edge of the military airfield and burst into flames in front of thousands of spectators.
The aircraft was taking part in the annual Tanagra International Air Show, which draws military and civilian teams from several countries, including the German Luftwaffe. Thick black smoke rose from the crash site as firefighters, rescue crews and aircraft rushed to contain the blaze. No spectators were injured.
Greek military authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the accident. Initial reports indicated the aircraft lost altitude during the display, but the circumstances remain unclear. The incident also prompted organisers to cancel the rest of the weekend programme.