A Greek Air Force two-seat Phantom F4 fighter jet crashed during an air show at Tanagra Air Base north of Athens on Saturday, killing both pilots. Thousands of people were attending the event, but authorities reported no injuries among spectators.
Crash occurred during a low-altitude manoeuvre
According to officials, the aircraft crashed during a low-altitude manoeuvre as part of the air show. The technical cause of the crash has not been established, and Greek authorities have not issued a final conclusion on what caused the accident.
A fire broke out at the site following the crash, sending a large plume of black smoke into the sky. The fire affected the initial rescue operation, but authorities later recovered the bodies of both pilots.
Fire broke out at Tanagra Air Base
Greek Air Force officials said a fire spread within the Tanagra Air Base complex after the crash. Firefighters and rescue personnel faced difficulties during the initial response because of the fire.
Tanagra Air Base is located about 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Athens and was hosting the air show. Rescue teams located the bodies of both pilots during the operation.
85 firefighters and 11 aircraft deployed
A total of 85 firefighters, along with 11 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters, were deployed to control the fire. Officials said the affected area was some distance from the spectator area.
An evacuation order was nevertheless issued for an area around the air base as a safety measure.
Following the crash and fire, organisers cancelled the remaining events scheduled for the weekend.
No spectators reported injured
Thousands of people were present at the air show when the aircraft crashed. Authorities said no injuries among spectators had been reported.
Videos posted on social media showed a large plume of smoke rising from the crash site. Footage also appeared to show a second large explosion near the aircraft as it broke apart.
Available information does not establish whether the aircraft issued an emergency signal immediately before the crash or whether the pilots attempted to eject. Those circumstances remain subject to investigation.
Athens Flying Week events cancelled
Organisers of Athens Flying Week cancelled the remaining weekend programme following the accident. The annual air show was being held at Tanagra Air Base.
Firefighters, water-dropping aircraft and helicopters were deployed to control the fire, while an evacuation order was issued for an area near the air base to keep people away from the fire and associated risks.
Condolences expressed after pilots' deaths
The deaths of the two Greek Air Force officers were confirmed following the crash. Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas contacted his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, to express his condolences.
In an online post, Palmas said he was deeply saddened by the deaths of the two Hellenic Air Force officers in the accident during the air show at Tanagra Air Base. He expressed condolences to the families of the two deceased officers and to Greece.
Investigation to determine cause of crash
The technical or operational cause of the accident remains unclear. The Phantom F4 jet was taking part in a low-altitude manoeuvre during the air show when it crashed.
Investigators will examine what happened during the aircraft's final moments. The aircraft's technical condition, flight circumstances and procedures followed during the display are among the aspects that may be examined.
No cause should be assumed until the official investigation reaches its conclusions.
Remaining air show programme cancelled
The crash occurred while the aircraft was performing at low altitude, followed by a fire at the site. Despite the absence of reported injuries among spectators, both pilots died in the accident.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine its actual cause.
