A fatal accident occurred at the Tanagra air base during an air show held as part of Athens Flying Week 2026, resulting in the deaths of two pilots. The twin-seat Phantom F-4 jet crashed during a display performed in front of thousands of spectators. According to information provided by ERT, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and plummeted to the ground, followed by an explosion upon impact.
The crash triggered a fire at the Tanagra site, which subsequently spread to the nearby forested area. Emergency response efforts involved 115 firefighters, 36 vehicles, and three ground teams. Air support was also deployed to the scene, with nine aircraft and four helicopters operating periodically to manage the situation, including one aircraft coordinating the overall operation. By late Saturday afternoon, officials reported that the situation regarding the fire had improved.
Authorities issued an alert via the 112 emergency number on Saturday afternoon to inform local residents about the blaze. Due to the fire, police were required to close the service road of the Athens–Lamia national motorway as well as the Oinoi provincial road at Oinoi.
In response to the tragedy, Defence Minister N. Dendias cut short his schedule at the Thessaloniki International Fair to return to Athens. Organizers have cancelled all remaining events that were planned for the weekend. Athens Flying Week, which was scheduled for 5 and 6 September, is considered one of the largest air shows in south-eastern Europe, featuring high-difficulty maneuvers, formation flying, and parachute jumps. The specific circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Some 115 firefighters and 36 vehicles are operating at the scene with three ground teams. Meanwhile, nine aircraft and four helicopters are being deployed periodically, one of them coordinating the operation.
