Helicopter crash in Sifnos: Experts examine 'suspicious' Paros incident

Experts are scrutinizing an incident involving the helicopter that crashed in Sifnos, killing three people, which occurred earlier this year in Paros. The investigation into the August 18 tragedy is now focusing on a June 1 event where the same aircraft experienced a rotor malfunction.

According to reports, the helicopter was operating in strong winds in Paros when its main rotor was secured with straps for safety. When the helicopter was restarted, the straps had not been fully removed. This led to the straps striking the rear of the helicopter, raising concerns about potential damage.

Following the Paros incident, the managing company grounded the helicopter for necessary maintenance. A month later, on July 2, the aircraft underwent a technical inspection and received an airworthiness certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority, clearing it for operational use.

This earlier event in Paros has now been brought to the attention of the experts investigating the Sifnos crash. Company officials have visited the island, and aviation accident investigators have provided testimony. The police-appointed expert committee is expected to visit the Sifnos crash site soon, and the wreckage will be recovered for detailed examination in Athens.

The primary goal of the investigation is to determine if the Paros incident is connected to the Sifnos crash. Specifically, investigators are exploring the possibility that the earlier event caused stress or damage to a component related to the tail rotor, which might have been missed during the technical inspection. Authorities are considering all possibilities, but no causal link has been established yet between the Paros incident and the fatal crash in Sifnos.