ATHENS — Greece is mourning two Air Force pilots after an F-4E Phantom II fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week event at Tanagra Air Base, north of Athens, on Saturday.

The aircraft went down shortly after taking off, during a low-altitude maneuver, in front of thousands of spectators attending the aviation event. Both crew members were killed. No injuries among spectators or local residents were reported.

The Greek Air Force has identified the pilots as Major Ioannis Blesias, 40, and Captain Dimitrios Petrou, 37. According to the Air Force, the crash occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. local time, several kilometres southeast of Tanagra’s 114th Combat Wing.

Witnesses saw the aircraft lose altitude before hitting the ground. The impact produced a large fire and heavy black smoke, while a separate blaze spread into nearby woodland. Emergency authorities mobilized firefighters, aircraft and helicopters to contain the resulting fire.

The accident forced organizers to cancel the remaining air-show program. Authorities also issued emergency warnings to people in the surrounding area as firefighters worked to prevent the flames from spreading toward populated areas.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his schedule and returned to Athens following the crash. The Greek Armed Forces subsequently announced a three-day mourning period through September 7 in memory of the two pilots.

Investigation Underway

The precise cause of the accident remains unknown. A dedicated Greek Air Force investigation committee is examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Fresh reporting from Greek newspaper Kathimerini said sources connected with the event indicated that the aircraft had completed its required maintenance and inspection procedures and had been considered airworthy. The same report said the F-4 was conducting a transit flight rather than being part of the main aerobatic display, which was performed by the Air Force’s F-16 demonstration team.

That distinction could become relevant to the investigation as officials determine what happened during the aircraft’s final moments.

The F-4 Phantom II has served with the Greek Air Force for decades and remains part of Greece’s military aviation fleet. The crash has therefore prompted renewed attention to the operational history and maintenance of the aircraft, although officials have not indicated that age or mechanical failure was responsible.

Air Show Turns Into Tragedy

Athens Flying Week is a major international aviation gathering that attracts large crowds to Tanagra. The crash transformed what had been a public celebration of military and civilian aviation into a scene of mourning.

The response also involved a substantial firefighting operation because the aircraft crash ignited vegetation around the base. Authorities succeeded in keeping the fire away from the main spectator area, preventing additional casualties.

The tragedy has drawn condolences from Greek officials and neighboring countries. Cyprus’ defense minister also expressed sympathy to Greece following the deaths.

For the families of the two pilots, the investigation now offers the possibility of determining what caused the aircraft to lose altitude during the flight. Until investigators complete their work, officials have not assigned a definitive cause to the accident.

The crash leaves Greece facing a solemn reminder of the risks undertaken by military aviators, while the country’s Air Force begins a detailed examination of one of its most serious recent aviation accidents.