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Experienced Army Pilot and British Couple Die in Sifnos Helicopter Crash
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Experienced Army Pilot and British Couple Die in Sifnos Helicopter Crash

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A private helicopter crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos, killing the pilot and two British passengers.
  • The pilot was a veteran of the Army Aviation with extensive experience flying heavy military helicopters.
  • Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with early indications suggesting a possible mechanical failure.

A private helicopter crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos on Monday evening, killing all three people on board. The pilot, identified as 55-year-old Giorgos Raikos, was a veteran of the Army Aviation with significant experience flying heavy military helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook.

Raikos, who had reactivated his civilian pilot license a year ago, was flying a Bell 206 helicopter from Markopoulo, Attica, to Sifnos. On board with him was a newlywed British couple.

The helicopter crashed just minutes before reaching the helipad in the Exambela area. Witnesses reported hearing an "unusual noise and visible smoke," leading investigators to suspect a potential mechanical failure, particularly concerning the tail rotor. The Hellenic National Aviation and Railway Accidents Investigation and Prevention Committee is leading the inquiry.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport expressed condolences for the tragic incident.

unusual noise and visible smoke

— WitnessesWitnesses reported hearing and seeing signs of distress from the helicopter before the crash.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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