Greece helicopter crash over Lake Aoos, crew rescued

A Bell‑type firefighting helicopter crashed into the artificial Lake Aoos near Metsovo, Greece, while conducting water drops on a wildfire in the Valia Kalda area of the Grevena region. The aircraft was operating against a fire that had begun after lightning activity. Both occupants – a Greek pilot and a foreign crew member – managed to exit the submerged helicopter and reach shore; they were reported to be in good health after prompt rescue by emergency teams.

Investigators are examining the cause of the accident, with the former military pilot Mama Karras noting a possible loss of power and mechanical failure, stating, “It is natural for such incidents to happen with aircraft… the only reaction is to shut down the engine.” The incident has highlighted safety and maintenance concerns for aerial firefighting assets, which are subject to regular inspections but operate under demanding conditions.

Firefighting operations continue in the area, involving ground crews, additional aerial units, and volunteers as the blaze, sparked by a lightning strike, persists in difficult terrain.