2 weeks ago
Helicopter Crash Kills British Newlyweds and Pilot in Greece
A helicopter carrying three people crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos.
The passengers were newly married British citizens, Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert.
Their pilot, Giorgos Raikos, also died.
The helicopter was flying toward a helipad near a monastery when it began spinning.
It hit the ground and burst into flames.
Witnesses heard an unusual noise before the crash.
Officials think the tail rotor may have malfunctioned, but other possible mechanical problems are also being examined.
Investigators are working to determine exactly what happened, and Greece temporarily stopped Bell 206 flights.
A privately chartered Bell 206 crashed and caught fire on Sifnos on Monday evening, August 17.
British newlyweds Alexander Cromie, 31, and Marie Ebert, 30, died alongside pilot Giorgos Raikos, 53.
Greek authorities cited a possible tail-rotor malfunction, while witnesses reported unusual aircraft noise.
The helicopter crashed near Exambela, about 50 meters from inhabited homes and close to a monastery helipad.
Greece temporarily grounded all Bell 206 helicopters while investigators examine the cause.
- Who
- British newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, and their pilot Giorgos Raikos, were killed.
- What
- A privately chartered Bell 206 helicopter crashed and exploded, killing all three occupants.
- Where
- Near Exambela on the Greek island of Sifnos, close to a monastery helipad and inhabited homes.
- When
- Monday evening, August 17.
- Why
- Authorities suspect a possible mechanical failure, particularly involving the tail rotor; the official cause remains under investigation.
Key facts
- Deaths
- Three people
- Victims
- Alexander Cromie, Marie Ebert, and Giorgos Raikos
- Aircraft
- Privately chartered Bell 206 helicopter
- Crash location
- Near Exambela, Sifnos, Greece
- Suspected issue
- Possible tail-rotor malfunction
- Investigation
- Led by the National Organisation for the Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety
- Safety response
- Greece temporarily grounded all Bell 206 helicopters
Quotes
Greece's Civil Aviation Authority
Government aviation regulator responsible for civil aviation safety
“"From a preliminary evaluation of the available material, there are signs of a possible malfunction in the performance of the helicopter's tail rotor," Greece's civil aviation authority said in a statement.”
wionews.com
Sources
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