Greek firefighting helicopter crashes into Lake Aoos, crew rescued

A Bell 214B helicopter hired by the Greek Fire Service fell into the artificial Lake Aoos near Metsovo while conducting a water‑dropping operation against a forest fire in the Grevena region (position “Αβγό”). The aircraft had taken off from Ioannina airport and was performing a hydro‑suction of water when it lost balance and impacted the lake, producing a small explosion.

Both crew members – a Greek pilot and a foreign co‑pilot serving as a liaison – were able to swim to shore and were later taken by ambulance to the University General Hospital of Ioannina; they were reported to be in good health. The crash was captured on video, which showed the moment of impact and the immediate rescue response. The fire service is investigating the cause, with early reports indicating a possible engine problem during the water‑scooping maneuver.

The incident has prompted an investigation by the Fire Service to determine the exact reasons for the crash, while firefighting operations continue in the difficult terrain of the “Αβγό” area. As one official noted, “Το σημαντικότερο είναι ότι οι δύο επιβαίνοντες βγήκαν ζωντανοί από ένα ατύχημα που θα μπορούσε να έχει τραγική κατάληξη.”