Background
The helicopter, registration SX-HBB, model MD500E, manufactured by MD Helicopters Inc. (USA), was owned by ETHNIKI LEASING S.A. and operated by AIR 1 HELICOPTERS COMPANY. On 23 June 2017, it was transported on a trailer to the heliport of the Schinias Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center for aerial spraying operations to control mosquitoes in the Schinias-Marathonas wetland. The operations were part of a contract awarded to a joint venture by the Attica Region Authority.
Two engineers from the maintenance organization (Reg. No. EL.MF.0006) mounted the main rotor blades, installed spraying equipment, and performed a pre-flight inspection. The helicopter took off for its first flight at 08:10 local time.
Flight History
Initially, the helicopter conducted a reconnaissance flight with the Public Health Inspector (coordinator of the mosquito control program) onboard to inspect the waters. Following that, the pilot alone performed four aerial spraying flights as scheduled. After these flights, at 09:10, the helicopter took off again with two additional persons: a student from the Athens University of Applied Sciences (who had expressed interest in the operation) and a security guard from the rowing center. The student sat in the co-pilot seat, and the security guard sat behind. All occupants wore seat belts; the pilot wore a helmet, and the student wore a headset.
During this flight, the pilot demonstrated the spraying process, including momentarily activating the spraying system, and flew at a low but steady altitude (estimated by the student at about 50 ft above ground). The student video-recorded the flight, and the security guard live-streamed it. The pilot provided explanations about the spraying operation.
Accident Sequence
As the helicopter flew at low altitude over the wetland, the pilot was heard saying, "damn, wires." Immediately, there was an impact sound, the windshield detached, and a noise similar to a rotating object contacting a stationary one was heard, accompanied by a smell like an electric short circuit. The helicopter then veered left and right and crashed in the wetland a short distance from broken power lines.
The student, conscious after the crash, exited the helicopter and moved toward a nearby road. Two ground spraying crew workers were the first to arrive at the accident site. The contractor's scientific officer and the Public Health Inspector also arrived; the inspector called the National Emergency Medical Aid Center (EKAB), the Fire Service, and the Public Power Corporation (PPC). An ambulance transported the student to 'KAT' General Hospital of Attica. The pilot and the security guard were recovered from the wreckage with fatal injuries.
Injuries and Damage
Fatal injuries: one crew member (pilot) and one passenger (security guard). Serious injury: one passenger (student). No other injuries. The helicopter was totally destroyed. Three power lines were also damaged.