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Greece: F-4 Phantom crashes during air show, two pilots dead

An F-4 Phantom jet crashes during the Athens Flying Week in Greece, with both pilots found dead after the incident.

5 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Greece: F-4 Phantom crashes during air show, two pilots dead — Archive photoPhoto: WestendRaider · Flickr · BY

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, a tragic accident occurred during the Athens Flying Week near Athens when an F-4 Phantom jet crashed. The incident took place shortly after the air display commenced at the Tanagra military base, which attracted numerous spectators.

According to eyewitness reports, the crash was accompanied by a loud bang and a large cloud of smoke. The two pilots aboard the jet lost their lives, and their bodies were recovered following the accident. The incident prompted an immediate response from emergency services on site.

Reports indicated that the impact of the jet caused a significant explosion that shook the surrounding area. Thousands of spectators who had come to witness spectacular aerial maneuvers were witnesses to the tragic event during the accident.

The Athens Flying Week, which had celebrated twelve incident-free years this year, became the site of a tragedy with this incident. Organizers and attending aviation representatives are now concerned about safety following the tragedy.

The exact cause of the crash remains unclear and is under investigation by the relevant authorities. Experts and officials have already begun to thoroughly analyze the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The German Air Force was also present at the event; however, information about any additional affected aircraft is currently unknown. The air show was intended to be a highlight for aviation enthusiasts but is now overshadowed by the tragedy.

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