2 pilots killed in Greek fighter jet crash during Athens air show

Two Greek Air Force pilots were killed on Saturday after a fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week international air show at Tanagra Air Base, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported, said Xinhua.

The F-4E Phantom II fighter jet suddenly lost altitude while making a right turn and crashed just minutes after the Hellenic Air Force flight demonstration began. The aircraft broke into two pieces, causing a fireball and extensive fires at two locations, according to ERT.

The two pilots were found unconscious some distance from the crash site, according to military sources who spoke to ERT. Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias later confirmed their deaths and ordered a three-day mourning period for the Armed Forces from Saturday through Monday.

According to military sources, the two pilots each had thousands of hours of flight experience.

The incident occurred during the two-day Athens Flying Week, which features aerial teams from countries across Europe and Asia.