Kavala: Firefighting helicopter makes emergency landing on sports field

A firefighting helicopter taking part in the operation against a large wildfire in Elaiochori, in the municipality of Pangaio, was forced to make an emergency landing on the local sports field.

The crew suspected that the helicopter’s rotor had developed a problem and stopped the flight as a safety precaution. Investigators are also considering whether a rotor blade may have struck tree branches during the firefighting operation.

A photograph shows damage at the tip of one rotor blade, although the image alone cannot establish how it occurred. The crew chose the sports field to avoid further danger and allow the helicopter to undergo the necessary technical inspection. No injuries among the crew have been reported.

The incident occurred while strong ground and aerial forces were still battling the forest fire. To support safe water collection by aircraft, the Kavala Central Port Authority banned swimming, boat traffic, fishing and recreational activities from 11 a.m. until further notice in a designated sea zone off Elaiochori beach. The exact circumstances and cause of the damage remain under examination.