The pilot of the helicopter that crashed in the Vouliagmeni marina just seconds after takeoff has been arrested. The 57-year-old commander is facing charges of endangering transportation involving fixed-track systems, ships, and aircraft, causing bodily harm through negligence, and crew violations in emergency situations.

How the Helicopter Crashed

The helicopter had taken off from Aspropyrgos, with a scheduled stop at the Vouliagmeni marina to pick up four passengers, heading to Mykonos. During the takeoff process, while hovering about one meter above the ground, it was hit by strong gusts of wind that pushed it and caused it to fall into the sea, landing on its front right side near the green entry beacon.

The four passengers and the 57-year-old Greek pilot managed to exit the helicopter by swimming to the rocks. From there, a marina boat picked them up and transported them to the pier.

All individuals were examined by an EKAB (National Emergency Aid Center) crew and were found to be in good health, with the exception of one of the two women — who was pregnant — who was taken to a private maternity clinic as a precaution.

After the crash, the helicopter sank. The marina’s management agency placed a floating barrier to prevent pollution, and with the help of a diver and a crane, the aircraft was lifted and transported to the Tatoi airport facilities for technical inspection and investigation into the causes of the accident.