Video footage has emerged showing the moment a helicopter crashed on Sifnos, killing three people just metres from the helipad where it was due to land on Monday afternoon (August 17).
The footage, broadcast by ERT, shows the helicopter apparently spinning in circles shortly before crashing to the ground.
The aircraft was a single-engine Bell 206. Two firefighters in one vehicle responded to the scene, while a rescue team travelled from Syros aboard a RAFNAR speedboat operated by the Fire Service.
The crash claimed the lives of two British tourists and the Greek pilot.
Helicopter’s final route
Authorities are examining the route taken by the helicopter before it crashed near the island’s helipad.
According to MEGA, the private helicopter took off from Mount Merenta, near Spata, with Sifnos as its destination.
Shortly after take-off, the pilot informed the control centre that he was preparing to land.
The centre subsequently lost the helicopter’s signal and communication was cut off. Authorities were later informed that the aircraft had crashed.
EODASAAM to investigate
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport expressed its condolences to the families of the three victims.
It said the circumstances and causes of the accident would be investigated by the National Air and Rail Accident Investigation and Safety Board (EODASAAM).
The investigation into the helicopter crash in Sifnos will examine the aircraft’s flight path and the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
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