The search for the pilot of the Phantom II fighter jet has been completed, but the investigation into the crash that killed the 31-year-old captain and 29-year-old co-pilot on Monday morning continues. continuation.

The Air Force General Staff announced today that an analysis of the fatal F-4E crash 25 nautical miles south of Andravida Airport has confirmed the death of Squadron Leader Efstathios Tsitlakides.

Meanwhile, the parents of 29-year-old co-pilot Lt. Mario-Michael Turucic were called to identify the body, according to ERT.

The State Channel released the testimony of a fisherman who said he saw the fighter a few minutes before the crash: “It was flying very low and passed over the boat. I was impressed that it gave off smoke,” Mr. Panagiotis Roussos.

low flight

The pilots of the Phantom carried out exercises on a small sea at an altitude of about 100 meters above sea level, along with another fighter of the same type. The main scenario of these exercises is flying “under the radar” and simulating pursuit and bombardment.

As noted “TO” from the first momentTwo operators, apparently, did not have time to use their ejection seats.which is reinforced by the fact that no remains of the parachute were found.

Experts publicly attributed to the crash over the next 24 hours note that control of the aircraft may have been lost during closed maneuvers performed by a pair of two Phantoms.

Condolences to the governor’s parents

“The news of the death of Commander Efstathios Tsitlakides further exacerbates the national grief. The Air Force and all of Greece mourn and honor,” said Mr. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis when the governor’s death was confirmed.

Morning Mr. General Konstantinos Floros, head of GETHA And GEA head Vice Admiral Themistoklis Burolias went in the village of Granitis in Kato Nevrokopi and arrested the parents of the deceased commander of the detachment.

PtD to attend pilots’ funerals

Tomorrow, Thursday, his funeral Lieutenant Marios Michael Turucikas.

The President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, will travel to Tripoli for the funeral, and on Friday, February 3, she will also attend the funeral of Squadron Leader Efstathios Tsitlakidis in Nevrokopi.