2 pilots killed as military aircraft crashes during air show in Greece

Beyza Binnur Donmez

Two pilots were killed after a Greek military F-4 Phantom aircraft crashed during an air show in Tanagra on Saturday afternoon, according to local media.

Greek public broadcaster ERT reported that the aircraft went down shortly before 3 pm (1200GMT) under circumstances that were not immediately clear.

An explosion occurred immediately after the crash, while an ERT reporter at the scene said the aircraft suddenly began losing altitude before hitting the ground.

The crash occurred only minutes after the Greek Air Force aerial demonstration had begun and was witnessed by thousands of visitors attending the event.

In a later report, Greek daily To Vima said two pilots were found dead; however, it remains unclear whether the aircraft’s ejection-seat system had been activated.

The aircraft, which belonged to the 117th Combat Wing based in Andravida, was flown by a captain and a lieutenant colonel, it added.

A firefighting helicopter was deployed to drop water on a blaze sparked by the crash.

Initial information indicated that the aircraft had broken into two sections, with fires reported at two separate locations at the crash site.

An air accident investigation committee has begun examining the crash, including footage from organizers’ cameras and communications between the crew and the control tower, as the cause of the crash is yet to be determined.

The F-4 Phantom II fleet is expected to be retired by the end of the decade, according to To Vima.