2 pilots killed in Greece air show jet crash:Fighter jet suddenly plunged during stunt; aircraft broke apart on impact

A two-seat F-4 Phantom fighter jet of the Greek Air Force crashed during an air show on Saturday, killing both pilots on board. The accident took place during the ‘Athens Flying Week’ at Tanagra Air Force Base, where several thousand people had gathered to watch the show. According to a report by news agency AP, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude a few minutes after the Air Force flight demonstration began. The jet crashed into the ground while performing a low-altitude manoeuvre. The impact broke the aircraft into two parts and caused fires to break out at different locations. 4 photos related to the plane crash Both pilots’ bodies recovered Initially, officials did not know whether the two pilots had managed to eject from the aircraft in time. No parachutes were seen immediately after the crash. Later, rescue teams recovered the bodies of both pilots from the crash site. According to initial reports, smoke was seen coming from the aircraft before the crash. Witnesses said the jet then suddenly lost altitude and began falling rapidly towards the ground. A large-scale rescue operation was launched to put out the fire after the aircraft crashed. Around 85 firefighters were sent to the site, along with 11 aircraft and helicopters used to help tackle the blaze. The fire broke out some distance from the spectators’ area. However, as a precaution, authorities ordered the evacuation of areas around the airbase. Following the crash, organisers cancelled all the remaining air show events scheduled for the weekend. Video footage showed a large cloud of smoke rising after the aircraft hit the ground. Moments later, a powerful explosion was heard and the aircraft broke apart. Greece’s Defence Minister expresses grief Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas spoke to Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias by phone and expressed his condolences over the deaths of the two pilots. Palmas wrote on social media that he was “deeply saddened” by the news of the deaths of two Greek Air Force officers in the “tragic accident during the air show at Tanagra Air Base”. The accident took place during the two-day Athens Flying Week International Air Show, which featured aerial teams from several countries in Europe and Asia. The cause of the F-4 Phantom crash has not yet been established. ​