A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week air show at Tanagra air base north of Athens on Saturday, killing both pilots on board.

The two-seat F-4 Phantom was performing a low-altitude maneuver when it lost altitude during a right turn, struck the ground about two kilometers from the airfield, and erupted into a fireball. Footage from Greek public broadcaster ERT showed the jet flying just meters above the ground seconds before impact. The pilots did not eject.

The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. local time, only minutes into the aircraft's display. The pilots, officers from the 117th Combat Wing based at Andravida, were recovered from the wreckage and confirmed dead. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias declared a three-day period of mourning for the armed forces.

No spectators or bystanders were injured, though the impact sparked fires that spread to nearby forest areas. Emergency responders deployed 85 firefighters, 11 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters, and multiple vehicles to battle the blaze. Loudspeakers at the base urged attendees to evacuate, and remaining events for the weekend were canceled.

The Athens Flying Week attracts military and civilian aviation teams from dozens of countries each year. The F-4 Phantom, a U.S.-made aircraft, has been a highlight of recent shows as the Hellenic Air Force prepares to retire the type.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Preliminary reports indicate the pilots had extensive flight experience.