Harrowing images have emerged showing the charred wreckage of the helicopter that crashed on Monday afternoon (17/08) in the Exambela area of Sifnos. The aircraft appears to have been completely destroyed on impact, with burnt debris scattered across the crash site. The area — located very close to the Sifnos helipad — remains cordoned off by Greek Police (ELAS) to allow the necessary investigations to take place. The aviation accident claimed the lives of the Greek helicopter pilot and a newly-wed British couple.
New images of the charred helicopter wreckage:
Sifnos: Shocking new video captures the fatal helicopter accident
New footage has emerged capturing the final moments of the flight, just seconds before the impact near the island’s helipad. The Bell 206 can be seen initially deviating from its normal flight path and moving sideways, before entering a brief phase during which it appears to hover.
What follows is deeply disturbing. The helicopter begins to spin uncontrollably around its own axis, rotating continuously as it loses altitude before hitting the ground. Moments after the impact, an explosion is recorded, with the crash site engulfed in flames.
The helicopter’s uncontrolled rotation in the moments before the crash is also visible in other footage that has been made public. Reports suggest that a possible tail rotor malfunction is among the scenarios being investigated, though no official or definitive conclusion regarding the cause of the accident has been reached at this time.
The final seconds were critical
The new video is of particular significance as it allows investigators to examine the Bell 206’s movements in the seconds before impact and cross-reference them with the other evidence gathered so far. The accident occurred at approximately 18:08 on Monday, 17 August, as the helicopter was on its final approach and closing in on the Sifnos helipad. It came down a very short distance from the landing area, in the Exambela region.
Three people were on board the Bell 206: the Greek pilot and two British passengers, all of whom lost their lives. The British couple were newlyweds who had travelled to Greece for their honeymoon.
View this post on Instagram.
Investigative units deployed to the island
The preliminary investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Milos Police Department jointly with the Sifnos Police Station, under the supervision of the Syros Court of First Instance Prosecutor’s Office.
Additionally, units from the Organized Crime Investigation Division (DAOE) and the Cyclades Police Directorate are being dispatched to Sifnos to assist with the ongoing investigation.
As part of the preliminary inquiry, procedures are under way for the necessary post-mortem examinations of the victims. Authorities are also working in cooperation with the Hellenic Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board (HAIAASB), which will be responsible for investigating the cause of the helicopter crash.
