Two Canadair CL-215 pilots recounted the tense moments that led to their emergency water landing off the coast of Vrachati, in the Corinthian Gulf, while responding to a wildfire near Feneos. The aircraft experienced engine trouble during a water scooping maneuver, but thanks to the calm and composed actions of the crew, both pilots are safe and in good health.
“During our last water pickup from Elefsina for the fire in Feneos, the left engine malfunctioned, and the aircraft couldn’t take off with just one engine,” one of the pilots told STAR TV.
“We ended up in the water for about an hour and a half, because it moves slowly without engines.”
The second pilot added:
“We were in the water, not in the air, and thankfully the failure happened there. The protocol is to shut down the engines and remain afloat.
Luckily, the sea was calm, the waves didn’t carry us off, we had the anchor, and we did everything we were supposed to do with the aircraft.”
Aircraft Towed to Safety – Under Investigation
The Canadair CL-215 was eventually towed to the port of Kiato, where Air Force engineers began inspecting the aircraft.
Watch video footage of the CL-215 being towed in the Corinthian Gulf.
(Video not included in this format)
Official Statement from the Hellenic Air Force:
On Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:40 AM, a CL-215 aircraft from the 355th Tactical Transport Squadron, based at 112 Combat Wing, was participating in an aerial firefighting operation in Feneos, Corinthia. During a water scooping maneuver near Vrachati, the aircraft was forced to land on water due to a mechanical failure.
The towing operation is underway, and a specialized team from the Mobile Maintenance Unit for Underwater and Marine Installations (KOSYTHE) of the Hellenic Air Force is en route to investigate the incident.
The crew is safe and in good condition.
This incident highlights both the risks faced by aerial firefighting crews and their exceptional training and professionalism in responding to emergencies.
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