Fortunately, there were no serious injuries when a helicopter crashed moments after taking off from the helipad at Vouliagmeni Marina on Sunday afternoon. The incident caused panic among beachgoers and bystanders.
Protothema.gr has obtained new footage of the crash, which is currently under investigation by experienced helicopter pilots to determine the cause.
Video of the crash moment:
Initial technical assessments suggest that a critical pilot error during takeoff may have caused the crash. According to expert pilots speaking to Protothema.gr, given the rightward wind, the helicopter should have taken off in that direction. Instead, the pilot attempted a left turn, leading to a tailwind scenario.
This maneuver is one of the most hazardous mistakes during helicopter takeoff, as it can diminish power and flight stability. Consequently, the helicopter lost both power and altitude. The aircraft involved, an Airbus 355, while a twin-engine model, is not particularly powerful, especially when carrying significant loads.
Emergency services responded quickly, and fire department units arrived promptly. Reports indicate that the passengers are in good health, a situation attributed to both luck and the solid construction of the aircraft.
The arrival of the Coast Guard inflatable:
The incident is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities, with the video footage serving as a crucial part of the preliminary analysis.
Astir Marina’s Statement
Regarding the helicopter crash that occurred shortly after takeoff within the designated landing area, Astir Marina confirmed there were no casualties.
The company promptly notified the necessary authorities and activated its emergency plan. Vessels from Astir Marina swiftly arrived on the scene and safely rescued the passengers.
No marine pollution has been reported, and there is no environmental risk; however, floating containment barriers have been deployed as a precautionary measure.
Comments by Konstantellos About the Helipad
On November 26, 2018, Grigoris Konstantellos, the Mayor of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni and a former Olympic Airways pilot, raised concerns regarding the operation of the helipad at Vouliagmeni Marina. He argued that licensing was impractical due to spatial and aeronautical constraints.
“There is no provision for a helipad at the new Vouliagmeni Marina. Based on my aviation experience, this area cannot support a helipad, as aviation regulations require an ‘obstacle clearance surface,’ which cannot be ensured due to the nearby slopes of Laimos. A helipad here could never be licensed,” he stated, having reviewed the presented feasibility study.
His intervention was aimed at preventing developments that could pose risks to both personnel and infrastructure. The term “obstacle clearance surface” refers to the necessary distance between the helipad and any obstacles to ensure secure takeoff and landing.
Based on topographical and operational analysis, the mayor firmly concluded that the area should not host a helipad, as obtaining legal and technical licensing would be impossible.
However, in the years following his statement, reality seems to suggest a different outcome.
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