By sheer luck, there were no serious injuries when, on Sunday afternoon, a helicopter crashed just seconds after taking off from the helipad at Vouliagmeni Marina, causing panic among bathers and passersby.

Protothema.gr has obtained new footage of the crash moment, which is already being examined by experienced helicopter pilots in an effort to identify the cause of the accident.

Video of the moment of the crash:

According to the first technical assessments, the cause of the crash appears to be a critical pilot error during takeoff. As trained and highly experienced pilots explain to protothema.gr, given the wind was blowing from the right, the helicopter should have headed to the right — taking off “into” the wind. Instead, the pilot attempted a left turn, meaning with a tailwind.

This, they explain, is one of the most dangerous mistakes during helicopter takeoff, as it reduces power and flight stability. As a result, the helicopter lost power and altitude. The specific helicopter type, an Airbus 355, although twin-engine, is not known for its power, especially when carrying heavy loads.

The authorities responded immediately, with fire department units arriving at the scene. The passengers reportedly are in good health — something experts attribute both to luck and to the robustness of the aircraft’s construction.

The moment the Coast Guard inflatable arrives:

The incident is being investigated by the competent authorities, with the video footage being a key element of the preliminary analysis.

The Statement by Astir Marina

Regarding today’s helicopter crash incident, which occurred immediately after takeoff within the landing-takeoff area, Astir Marina confirms that there were no casualties.

The company immediately informed the competent authorities and promptly activated the emergency plan. Astir Marina’s vessels rushed to the scene and successfully rescued the passengers safely.

There has been no marine pollution and no environmental risk exists. However, as a precautionary measure, floating containment barriers were placed in the area.

What Konstantellos Said About the Helipad

On November 26, 2018, the Mayor of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Grigoris Konstantellos — a former Olympic Airways pilot and expert in flight regulations — publicly raised concerns regarding the operation of a helipad at Vouliagmeni Marina. Speaking with technical clarity and argumentation, he expressed his view that licensing was not feasible due to spatial and aeronautical limitations.

“There is absolutely no provision for creating a helipad at the new Vouliagmeni Marina. From my aviation experience, this area cannot host a helipad because aviation regulations require what is called an ‘obstacle clearance surface,’ which — due to the nearby slopes of Laimos — cannot be ensured. A helipad cannot be built here as it would never be licensed. We reviewed the study presented by its authors. There is no helipad and there cannot be a helipad.”

His intervention aimed to prevent developments which, as he implied, could endanger both human safety and infrastructure. The technical concept of “obstacle clearance surface” refers to the minimum required distance between the helipad and any natural or man-made obstacles to ensure safe takeoff and landing.

Based on topographical and operational data, the mayor had concluded firmly: the area cannot and should not host a helipad, as its licensing would be legally and technically impossible.

Nevertheless, in the following years, reality seems to have proven him wrong.