A helicopter tragedy on the Aegean island of Sifnos has prompted an urgent safety call after two British newlyweds and their pilot were killed in a crash that investigators say may have involved a fault in the aircraft’s tail rotor.
Marie Ebert and her husband Alex Cromie, who were honeymooning in Greece, died alongside their pilot, Giorgos Raikos, when their private helicopter went down in the Tholos area of Sifnos and ignited a fire.
Greece’s civil aviation authority said early indications point to a potential technical failure.
“From a preliminary evaluation of the available material, there are signs of a possible malfunction in the performance of the helicopter’s tail rotor,” the agency said.
The private Bell 206 helicopter crashed yesterday close to homes on the popular island, moments before it was due to touch down at a local helipad.
Video aired by Greek television appears to show the aircraft approaching to land over a hillside before it stalls in mid-air, begins spinning around its axis and then falls.
In response, the Greek civil aviation authority urged all operators flying Bell 206 helicopters to check tail rotors and the tail rotor drive system prior to any takeoff.
Greece’s national agency on aviation and transportation safety is leading the investigation into the accident.
As the inquiry begins, tributes have poured in for Ms Ebert. Her employers described her as a “much-loved and deeply respected” woman who was “exceptional at her job and admired by everyone who worked with her”.
They said they were “devastated” by the news, while Mr Cromie’s firm said he was “beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him”.
According to the account provided, the helicopter had taken off near the Greek capital yesterday. After the pilot reported he was preparing to land, communications fell silent.
Local media reported the helicopter lost altitude quickly before erupting into flames on impact, and social media footage showed smoke rising from the wreckage.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 6.15pm local time.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time.
“We are providing consular support and are in contact with the Greek authorities.”
