Greece declares military mourning after two pilots killed in Tanagra Phantom crash

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Greece has declared three days of mourning for the Armed Forces after two Hellenic Air Force pilots were killed when an F 4E Phantom II fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week air show near Tanagra on Saturday.

The tragedy unfolded at around 2:55 p.m., approximately three nautical miles southeast of Tanagra Air Base, as the aircraft was taking part in the flying demonstration.

The Phantom, operated by the Hellenic Air Force’s 338 Squadron, suddenly lost altitude before crashing into farmland in front of spectators. Part of the aircraft struck a nearby industrial facility, triggering a fire that spread into surrounding rural and wooded areas.

The two crew members, identified by the Air Force as a squadron leader and a captain, were found unconscious following the crash. They were later confirmed dead.

The Hellenic Air Force released the pilots’ identities using their initials.

Pilots reportedly tried to avoid populated areas

Initial reports indicate that the pilots did not activate the aircraft’s ejection system before impact.

Unconfirmed reports have suggested that the crew may have attempted to keep control of the aircraft and steer it away from spectators and nearby populated areas.

A recorded exchange between the pilots and ground control in the minutes before the crash was also reportedly available. However, these details have not been independently confirmed and are expected to form part of the official investigation.

The crash sent emergency crews rushing to the scene, with firefighters battling the resulting blaze while authorities imposed traffic restrictions around the area.

Defence minister declares three days of mourning

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his visit to the Thessaloniki International Fair and returned to Athens following news of the fatal crash.

Dendias subsequently declared three days of mourning for the Armed Forces, lasting through Monday.

The Hellenic Air Force has appointed an investigation committee to establish what caused the Phantom to lose altitude and crash.

The investigation is expected to examine the aircraft, flight data, communications with ground control and the circumstances surrounding the final moments of the flight.

The crash occurred during Athens Flying Week, one of Greece’s largest aviation events, turning a day of celebration for aviation enthusiasts into a national tragedy.

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