A Greek air force F-4 Phantom jet crashed during an air show at Tanagra air force base north of Athens on Saturday, killing both pilots. The twin-seat aircraft flew into the ground during a low-altitude maneuver just meters above the surface as thousands of spectators watched during the annual Athens Flying Week event. No civilians were injured.
The jet burst into flames on impact and sent up a large plume of black smoke. Eighty-five firefighters assisted by 11 water-dropping planes and helicopters worked to extinguish the blaze. Video of the crash showed a second ball of fire nearby as the plane broke apart. The bodies of the pilots were later recovered. An eyewitness told ERT, Greece's state broadcaster, that the jet had been airborne for no more than three minutes.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the sense of grief was widespread and that his thoughts were with the families of the two pilots. He described the crash as a reminder of the daily danger faced by Greek aviators who remain on constant standby to protect the country's skies. Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas expressed sadness at the deaths and said he had called Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
Organizers canceled the remainder of Athens Flying Week following the incident and evacuated the area. The Greek air force declared three days of national mourning.