A two-seat Greek F-4 Phantom crashed during an air show at Tanagra air base north of Athens on Saturday, September 5, killing both pilots.
Two officials confirmed the deaths to Reuters. The aircraft came down roughly two kilometres outside the airfield, and authorities reported no injuries among spectators or people living nearby.
What happened at Tanagra
The aircraft was taking part in Athens Flying Week, an annual event that brings military and civilian aviation teams from several countries to Tanagra.
Footage broadcast by Greek public television showed the F-4 making a low right turn shortly before it struck the ground and caught fire. An eyewitness said the aircraft had been airborne for less than three minutes.
Organisers and emergency personnel moved spectators away from the area. Eleven firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed as the fire spread into nearby woodland.
What has and has not been confirmed
Officials have confirmed the aircraft type, the location and the deaths of the two crew members. No verified cause had been announced in the initial reporting.
That distinction is important. Video clips can show an aircraft's final movement, but they cannot establish whether the cause was mechanical failure, pilot disorientation, weather or another factor. A formal military investigation will be needed before conclusions can be drawn.
Why the F-4 remains significant
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II first flew in the late 1950s and served with many air forces. Greece has continued operating upgraded F-4E variants while much of NATO has retired the type.
The crash will bring renewed attention to demonstration-flight safety, but it would be premature to connect the aircraft's age to the accident without evidence from investigators.
What happens next
Greek military authorities are expected to secure debris, examine maintenance and flight records, review video and audio, and interview witnesses. The identities of the pilots and any findings should be reported only after official confirmation.
