The Nicosia Military Court has found a commando sergeant guilty of causing the death of Corporal Panagiotis Gianniou, who was fatally injured during a military training exercise in June 2022.
Gianniou, a 27-year-old non-commissioned officer, died after being ordered to jump from a military helicopter- an Agusta Westland AW139- into the sea during a drill near Lara, Akamas. The aircraft was flying at an altitude and speed well above the safe parameters set for such jumps.
What the court found
According to the court’s decision, the sergeant gave the fatal order without obtaining the required approval from the helicopter’s cabin supervisor, who in turn would have needed authorisation from the pilot. The court heard testimony from 25 witnesses, including military personnel, a videographer, and technical experts.
Several witnesses recalled that the order came during the helicopter’s first pass, when no jump had been scheduled. The aircraft was climbing when Gianniou jumped, prompting visible shock among those on board. The court ruled out any suggestion that Gianniou jumped on his own initiative or due to confusion.
One witness- a fellow commando lieutenant- saw Gianniou leap with his hand raised, but could not hear an order due to helicopter noise. A videographer confirmed that the accused had given instructions moments before the jump, though could not recall the exact words.
A flight technician testified that the aircraft was at 22.5 metres altitude and 96 km/h speed, far exceeding safe limits. The court rejected the defence’s claim that black box data had been tampered with.
Black box reveals shocking in-flight dialogue
Audio from the helicopter’s black box, played in court, captured shocked reactions from crew members:
“Why did he jump?”
“Who told him to go now?”
“Something fell into the sea.”
“It’s a person- someone jumped.”
“He’s upside down- he drowned!”
The court concluded that Gianniou died as a direct result of the unauthorised command given by the accused sergeant. Sentencing has been scheduled for 26 June, when mitigating arguments will be heard.
Remembering Gianniou: “Brother for brother, always LOK”
Gianniou’s legacy continues to inspire the commando unit. In December 2023, a team of commandos ran in his memory during the Nicosia Marathon, raising funds for the Cyprus Autism Association.
Running through the streets of the capital, his comrades pledged never to forget him, echoing their motto:
“Αδελφός για αδελφό, για πάντα ΛΟΚ” (Brother for brother, always LOK – a vow of eternal loyalty among Cyprus’s special forces).
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