Sketch of a Greek F-4 Phantom during an airshow in Tanagra: two pilots killed

A Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed into the ground during an aerobatic display. The accident occurred at the Tanagra air base in Greece. Following the accident, the bodies of the two pilots who were on board the aircraft were found dead. It would be a major and a lieutenant colonel.

The dynamics of the accident

The plane involved in the accident, according to what emerged, remained in the air for at least two minutes, before suddenly losing altitude after a right turn and crashing in circumstances yet to be clarified. The two pilots attempted to regain altitude while the plane was flying over an area gathered by the public, but they were unable to activate the seat ejection mechanism. The accident occurred before the eyes of hundreds of spectators, who witnessed what happened up close. According to initial information, the plane broke in two on impact.

The crash and the explosion

Immediately after the impact, an explosion was recorded, which occurred right in front of the thousands of visitors who were attending the event, the annual "Athens Flight Week".

The rescue

A fire brigade helicopter was sent to the scene to contain the fire caused by the crash, local media reported. Meanwhile, the Greek Defense Minister, Nikos Dendias, has decided to cancel a trip already planned to the Thessaloniki International Fair to visit the site of the accident.

The condolence

After the news of the death of the two pilots, the Greek Minister of Labor, Niki Kerameos, expressed her condolences on social media. "It is with deep sorrow that we bid a final farewell to our two pilots, who passed away in the tragic plane crash with the Phantom aircraft," he wrote. "Their homeland is grateful for their dedication and service. Our sincere condolences to their families and colleagues," he concluded.

In-depth analysis

Plane crash Peru, investigations to establish causes of tragedy