A Greek F-4 Phantom fighter jet has crashed during the Athens Flying Week air show at Tanagra air base, north of Athens, sending a column of black smoke into the sky in front of thousands of spectators.
The twin-seat aircraft came down during a display on Saturday, with the crash site reported to be several hundred metres from the viewing area. There were no immediate reports of injuries among members of the crowd.
The condition of the two pilots was initially unknown. Greek air force officials said a search and rescue operation had been launched, while it was unclear whether the crew had managed to eject before the crash.
About 85 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze, supported by 11 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters. A water-dropping helicopter was seen hovering over the site as emergency crews worked to contain the fire.
Public broadcaster ERT, which first reported the incident, said loudspeakers at the base were telling people to leave the area. The air show remained at some distance from the crash site.
Tanagra air force base is around 60 kilometres north of Athens. Athens Flying Week is an annual event featuring military and civilian aircraft and attracts large crowds to the base.
