An F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed at Tanagra Air Base in Greece on Saturday afternoon while participating in a flying display at Athens Flying Week.
The aircraft came down on the runway from low altitude shortly before landing, according to initial information. A fire broke out immediately after impact, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews stationed at the air base.
F-4 Came Down in Front of Airshow Spectators
The accident occurred during the opening day of Athens Flying Week, with thousands of spectators attending the event at Tanagra Air Base.
Initial reports indicate that two pilots were aboard the aircraft. Their condition remains unknown, and no fatalities have been officially confirmed. An eyewitness who attended the airshow told Aviation24news that no ejection was visible before impact.
Firefighters and rescue personnel reached the aircraft shortly after it came down. The circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and authorities have yet to release a detailed account of the sequence of events.
There has been no confirmed information about whether the aircraft encountered a technical problem. Any assessment of the cause will depend on an official investigation.
The Hellenic Air Force has also yet to confirm the identity of the aircraft involved or provide an update on those aboard.
Athens Flying Week Programme Uncertain
Athens Flying Week was scheduled to take place at Tanagra on September 5 and 6. The 2026 event is the 14th edition of the airshow and includes flying displays by Greek and international military aircraft.
The F-4 Phantom was among the principal Hellenic Air Force aircraft scheduled to appear during the weekend.
There has been no confirmed announcement about whether the remainder of Saturday’s programme or the second day of the airshow will continue following the accident.
One of the F-4 Phantom’s Final Public Appearances
The appearance at Athens Flying Week was expected to be one of the F-4 Phantom’s final major public displays in Greece as the Hellenic Air Force gradually withdraws the ageing type.
Greece operates upgraded F-4E Phantom II aircraft from Andravida Air Base with 338 Squadron. The country remains one of the last operators of the type, more than five decades after the Phantom entered Greek service.
Further information is expected from the Hellenic Air Force and the event organisers as the emergency response and investigation continue.
