A major and a captain lost their lives when the Phantom crashed during Athens Flying Week in Tanagra, the Air Force noted in a statement regarding the tragic accident.
The fighter jet piloted by the two airmen, who served with the 117th Fighter Wing in Andravida, crashed three miles southeast of the Tanagra airfield.
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The Air Force statement reads:
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2:55 p.m., an F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 338th Squadron, 117th Fighter Wing, which was participating in the “Athens Flying Week 2026” airshow, crashed 3 nautical miles southeast of the 114th Fighter Wing, resulting in the fatal injury of the two crew members, Staff Sergeant (I) I.M. and Captain (I) D.P.
The causes of the accident are being investigated by a competent Air Force committee.
Meanwhile, by decision of the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, a three-day period of mourning has been declared for the Armed Forces, beginning today, Saturday, and lasting through Monday, in honor of the two crew members of the F-4E Phantom II who lost their lives.
The news of the loss of two Air Force pilots in the accident at Athens Flying Week fills us all with the deepest sorrow. Our thoughts at the Ministry of National Defense go out to their families and colleagues, to whom we extend our…
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) September 5, 2026
In his post, the Minister of National Defense states:
The news of the loss of two Air Force pilots’ lives in the accident at Athens Flying Week fills us all with the deepest sorrow. Our thoughts at the Ministry of National Defense are with their families and colleagues, to whom we extend our most sincere condolences.
Source: Proto Thema
