A tragic event occurred today in Greece, during the Athens Flying Week 2026 air event, at the Tanagra air base.
A Hellenic Air Force Phantom fighter jet has crashed during a demonstration flight, killing the two pilots on board.
The accident occurred at noon, just minutes after the plane had begun its participation in the air show. According to footage released from the scene, the Phantom was performing a maneuver in the air when it began to lose balance and fall towards the ground. The plane then crashed into the ground, in front of thousands of spectators who had arrived to watch the event.

The two pilots on board the plane did not survive the crash. The incident has caused great shock among participants and Greek authorities, while the relevant emergency teams have been deployed to the area.
Following the tragic accident, Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, interrupted his agenda at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (DETH) and headed to Athens.

Greek authorities also decided to cancel the festive activities planned after the accident. Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' speech at the DETH is expected to take place as scheduled, while other activities planned for later have been canceled.
The causes of the plane crash have not yet been announced. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation to determine the circumstances and reasons that led to the loss of control of the plane during the demonstration.
The accident occurred at one of the largest air shows in Greece, which features both military and civilian aircraft and where thousands of people gather each year to watch the sky demonstrations. The Tanagra tragedy has disrupted the event's festive atmosphere and turned attention to the safety of demonstration flights.