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New details on Psatha helicopter crash: 15 minutes before tragedy and coordinator's departure
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

New details on Psatha helicopter crash: 15 minutes before tragedy and coordinator's departure

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • New details emerge about the August 2 helicopter crash near Psatha, Greece, during firefighting operations.
  • Investigators are examining 15 testimonies, including those from the surviving crew and locals, focusing on the 15 minutes before the collision.
  • A key point of investigation is the temporary departure of the ground coordinator, with air traffic control passing to a remote aerial coordinator.

New details are emerging regarding the helicopter crash on August 2, when two aircraft collided near Psatha, Greece, during firefighting efforts for a large blaze that affected areas from Boeotia to West Attica.

As a young man, Complainant C was a driver for the 2GB star broadcaster when Jones allegedly touched his penis and kissed him, C has told Downing Centre local court.

โ€” Complainant CDescribing the alleged initial incidents of sexual assault by Alan Jones.

According to preliminary investigation information, authorities have collected at least 15 testimonies from officials, firefighters, and local residents. The British pilot of one helicopter and the Greek translator on board, whose aircraft managed a safe landing after the collision, have also provided statements. Both survivors claim they did not have visual contact with the helicopter they collided with, initially suspecting they had hit power lines.

They stated they were following a lead helicopter as part of a formation, with their instruction being to drop water after the lead aircraft completed its task. The survivors reportedly mentioned they were unaware of a third helicopter participating in the operation. Another source indicated they heard a third helicopter crew announce their approach on the radio, though the timing of this communication and when the survivors became aware of the third aircraft remains unclear.

These are messages consistent with someone who had been groomed for 10 years, to think this was an acceptable way to talk with him.

โ€” Complainant CResponding to the defense's assertion that his explicit text messages were inconsistent with feeling victimized.

Investigators are paying close attention to a critical 15-minute period before the crash. During this time, the ground coordinator, a senior Fire Service officer, had to leave his post due to a rekindling of the ground fire. Coordination then shifted to an aerial coordinator, who was reportedly in a helicopter but located several kilometers away in the Fyli area. Authorities are examining whether this shift in coordination affected the situational awareness of the helicopters operating in the Psatha area.

I was a junior staffer 40 years younger than him.

โ€” Complainant CExplaining the power imbalance during his employment as a driver for Alan Jones.

Authorities are also scrutinizing audio recordings and logged communications between officials and helicopter crews to determine the exact sequence of events, instructions given, and any warnings about other aircraft. The wreckage of the crashed helicopter is expected to be transported to Tatoรฏ for expert examination. The coordinators are scheduled to provide their testimonies last, after all other evidence is gathered.

All my text messages are consistent with what he did to me and how I felt I needed to speak with him. I donโ€™t like hearing a bloke 40 years older writing to a straight guy about wanting to play with his penis โ€“ get real.

โ€” Complainant CExpressing frustration and disgust with the nature of the text exchanges and the defense's line of questioning.
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.