Air Tractor firefighting aircraft makes emergency water landing in Greece

An Air Tractor firefighting aircraft performed an emergency water landing in the maritime area southeast of Astaikos, Greece, on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The aircraft was engaged in firefighting operations and had departed from Aktio airport at 20:10.

The Greek Coast Guard, including the Messolonghi Port Authority and the Platygiali Coast Guard Unit, responded to the incident. The pilot and a single passenger were successfully rescued by Coast Guard vessels and private boats, and both were reported to be in good health.

The aircraft was subsequently towed to the port of Platygiali for recovery. Precautionary measures were implemented by port management to address potential pollution. The Platygiali Coast Guard Unit is currently conducting a preliminary investigation to determine the causes of the emergency landing.