Greek F-4 Fighter Jet Crashes Near Athens Air Show, Two Pilots Killed

Greek F-4 fighter jet crashes near Athens airshow, two pilots dead

September 6

A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during an airshow held on September 5 at the Tanagra airbase, north of Athens, Greece, killing two pilots, according to Reuters.

The aircraft crashed approximately 2 kilometers from the airbase, and there have been no reports of injuries to civilians in the vicinity, two officials told Reuters.

Footage broadcast by Greek state broadcaster ERT showed the F-4 fighter jet banking to the right at an altitude of just a few meters above the ground, crashing seconds later and exploding into a large fireball.

The crash sparked a fire in a nearby forest, and a total of 11 firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed to extinguish the blaze.

An eyewitness told ERT that the aircraft crashed before it had even been airborne for 3 minutes, leaving everyone stunned.

The F-4 fighter jet crashed while participating in the annual Athens Flying Week airshow, which involves military and civilian aviation groups from numerous countries.

Ref & Photo; Reuters