- A helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos has resulted in the deaths of three people, including a couple on their honeymoon.
- The crash might have been caused by a tail rotor malfunction, according to Greece's civil aviation authority.
- In response to the crash, the Greek civil aviation authority has called on all operators using Bell 206s to inspect the tail rotors and tail rotor drive system before any takeoff.
Three people were killed in a helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos, including British newlyweds Marie Ebert and Alex Cromie, along with their pilot Giorgos Raikos. The private Bell 206 helicopter crashed in the Tholos area, igniting a fire shortly before landing at a local helipad.
Greece's civil aviation authority indicated that a tail rotor malfunction might have been the cause of the crash. They stated, "From a preliminary evaluation of the available material, there are signs of a possible malfunction in the performance of the helicopter's tail rotor," prompting an immediate inspection order for all Bell 206 helicopters.2
The accident is currently under investigation by Greece's national agency on aviation and transportation safety. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed condolences, stating, "Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time."
“The Greek civil aviation authority indicated that the crash may have been caused by a tail rotor malfunction, prompting inspections of Bell 206 helicopters before takeoff. This regulatory action aims to prevent further incidents following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two British newlyweds.”
