Greece: Military Plane Crashes During Airshow Near Athens

13:40

A military F4 Phantom jet crashed Saturday afternoon during an airshow near Athens, Greece. The aircraft suddenly lost altitude shortly after takeoff before going down and causing a fire. The fate of the two pilots remained uncertain at the moment.

A Crash in Front of Thousands of Spectators

The accident occurred as thousands of visitors attended the "Athens Flying Week," an annual aerospace event.

According to initial reports from the Greek news agency Ana and several local media, the F4 Phantom had just taken off when it suddenly lost altitude.

The aircraft subsequently crashed at a base located near the Greek capital. An explosion occurred immediately after the crash, igniting a fire at the site.

A Major Response Mobilized

Images broadcast by Greek public television ERT show the operations engaged after the accident. A fire department helicopter was dispatched to the scene to combat the flames caused by the crash.

The rescue operations took place as the audience present for the demonstration had just witnessed the fall of the aircraft.

However, the precise circumstances of the accident had not yet been established by Saturday afternoon. Authorities were expected to determine the reasons why the plane lost altitude shortly after takeoff.

The Fate of the Two Pilots Still Unknown

A major uncertainty also persisted regarding the two crew members aboard the F4 Phantom.

Several Greek media reported that their situation was not yet known immediately after the accident. Search and rescue operations were expected to clarify their condition.

No official cause had been provided to explain the crash.

An Investigation Will Determine the Causes of the Accident

The accident occurred during a highly attended air event in Greece. The "Athens Flying Week" attracts crowds each year to watch demonstrations of military and civilian aircraft.

The exact circumstances of the F4 Phantom's altitude loss will now need to be established. An investigation should determine whether the accident resulted from a technical problem, a difficulty encountered during the maneuver, or another cause.

Pending these findings, authorities remain focused on rescue operations and securing the affected area.