Μake us preferred on Google Investigations into the fatal helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos entered their third day Thursday, as experts examined the wreckage and other evidence in an effort to establish the circumstances that led to the accident.
Experts from the Hellenic Air and Railway Safety Investigation and Analysis Organization (HARSIA) are examining every available piece of evidence from the crash site and the helicopter wreckage. Their goal is to reconstruct the final moments of the flight and determine what caused the crash.
Helipad manager describes helicopter’s final moments
Investigators are focusing on the testimony of the manager of the helipad, who was at the facility waiting for the helicopter to arrive when the accident occurred.
According to his account to investigators, he watched the helicopter as it approached the helipad. He reportedly said that the helicopter rotated and then entered a spin before crashing.
The helipad manager has already given his testimony to the two HARSIA experts who are on the island investigating the accident.
Police officers also remain at the crash site, collecting evidence from the area where the wreckage was found. The material could help investigators reconstruct the helicopter’s final moments.
Homicide Division handling judicial investigation
Alongside the technical investigation by HARSIA, a judicial investigation is also underway.
The Homicide Division is responsible for collecting audiovisual material, statements and witness testimony related to the case.
The material is expected to be combined with HARSIA’s findings and final report before being forwarded to the competent prosecutor’s office.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the helicopter’s three occupants are expected to be transported from Sifnos on Thursday.
Possible technical failure under investigation
A possible technical failure is currently among the main areas being examined, although investigators have not reached a definitive conclusion.
One scenario under consideration involves a possible malfunction of the helicopter’s tail rotor. The possibility had also been examined during the preliminary investigation by Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Investigators are also examining the helicopter’s flight path as it approached the helipad, along with the weather and wind conditions prevailing in the area.
According to the information gathered so far, the helicopter had been flying at low altitude and was heading directly toward the helipad. Investigators are examining whether the prevailing winds should have prompted the pilot to take a different approach.
One possibility being considered is that the helicopter should initially have headed east and then south, approaching the helipad from the southern side.
Investigators piece together final moments
Authorities are examining the wreckage, witness accounts, audiovisual material and technical data together as they seek to establish exactly what happened.
Investigators are now attempting to reconstruct the flight step by step to determine what caused the helicopter to lose control and ultimately crash.
The final HARSIA report is expected to provide the answers on the exact cause of the tragedy.
