Eurocopter AS355 Helicopter with American Tourists Crashes into the Sea

[kellyhound]

On June 15, 2025, a Eurocopter AS355 helicopter crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from a helipad at Astir Marina in Vouliagmeni, a southern suburb of Athens, Greece.

The private helicopter was carrying four American tourists—two men and two women—and a 57-year-old Greek pilot, en route to Mykonos.

The crash occurred around midday due to strong wind gusts destabilizing the aircraft while it hovered about one meter above the ground, causing it to plunge nose-first into the sea.

All five occupants were rescued in good health, with minor injuries reported. One pregnant passenger was taken to a private maternity clinic as a precaution.

The pilot detected a mechanical malfunction during takeoff and instructed the passengers to jump, while he attempted to stabilize the helicopter.

The passengers reportedly jumped onto land or swam to nearby rocks, and the pilot was rescued by divers.

The wreckage was recovered and transferred to Tatoi Airport for investigation by the Hellenic Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board (HARSIA) and the Civil Aviation Authority.

A floating containment boom was placed around the wreckage to prevent environmental damage, and no marine pollution was reported.

The pilot was arrested by the Vouliagmeni Port Authority, facing charges of endangering transportation safety, negligent bodily harm, and failing to follow emergency procedures.

Some reports suggest a possible piloting error, as the pilot allegedly took off with the wind rather than against it, contributing to the loss of stability.

Others speculated that the helicopter, certified for five people, might have been overloaded due to its age, though this remains under investigation.

A former mayor of Vouliagmeni had previously warned against the helipad’s location due to spatial unsuitability.

[wildaxboxer]

A Mayor actually got something right..

[DarkSighted]

I always say: Helicopters don't actually fly, they just beat the air into submission. Eventually though, the air will win.

[Mr.NoCredit]

I live where I see the coast guard helicopters fly overhead regularly. There’s also an army base not far and I’ve had a chinook helicopter fly overhead as well. Talk about chopping wind… those are incredible machines.

I wonder why this guy couldn’t fly his.. I watch this kind of thing and see millions of dollars going down the drain.

[William May]

They must have signed up for the "sponge diving" tour!

[durt]

'Scubacopter'