Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom Crashes During Athens Flying Week Display
An HAF F-4 Phantom II went down at the Tanagra airshow, with the condition of its two crew members still unknown.
At the Tanagra venue of Athens Flying Week, a Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom II crashed just minutes after leaving the runway, falling in view of a crowd of spectators. EKAB ambulances arrived promptly, though no official word has been released about the health of the pilot and navigator. Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft suffered a mechanical fault and split into two sections upon impact.
The incident occurred as the HAF showcased a range of aircraft, including F-16s, Rafales and Mirage 2000-5s, while the aging Phantom fleet is slated for retirement by decade's end. The jets belong to the 117th Combat Wing's 338 “Ares” Squadron. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
How this was covered
- Coverage peaked at 8 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The crash raises safety concerns for a historic aircraft still in active service and impacts the upcoming retirement schedule.
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