F-4 jet crash at Athens Flying Week kills two pilots and sparks fire
A twin seat Phantom F-4 jet crashed at Tanagra air base during Athens Flying Week 2026, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.
The deployment of 115 firefighters, 36 vehicles, and nine aircraft underscores the extensive emergency response required to manage the wildfire ignited by the crash, highlighting the urgent operational challenges faced.
Defence Minister N. Dendias stated, “My thoughts are with the families of the pilots; we will investigate this tragic incident thoroughly.”
Two pilots killed in Phantom F-4 jet crash during Greek air force annual show
A twin seat Phantom F-4 jet crashed at Tanagra air base during an air show held as part of Athens Flying Week 2026, killing the two pilots, according to officials.
The crash occurred during a display, in front of thousands of people, the circumstances of the crash remain unclear.
According to information from ERT, the aircraft suddenly began to lose altitude and plunged to the ground. An explosion followed immediately after the impact.
Athens Flying Week, taking place this year on 5 and 6 September, is one of the largest air shows in south-eastern Europe.
The programme features formation flying, high-difficulty manoeuvres and parachute jumps.
In the wake of the crash, Defence Minister N. Dendias is cutting short his schedule at the Thessaloniki International Fair and is returning to Athens. Organisers have also cancelled remaining events planed over the week end.
Wildfire in forested area
The crash of the fighter jet sparked a fire at Tanagra, which spread to the surrounding forested area.
Some 115 firefighters and 36 vehicles are operating at the scene with three ground teams. Meanwhile, nine aircraft and four helicopters are being deployed periodically, one of them coordinating the operation.
During Saturday afternoon, an alert was sent via the 112 emergency number to inform people in the wider area of the fire.
Later on Saturday afternoon, the situation of the fire had improved.
At the same time, because of the fire, police closed the service road of the Athens–Lamia national motorway and the Oinoi provincial road at Oinoi.