What happened
During an active firefighting mission operating near Tzia Island, the aircraft was performing a return flight to its base within the Saronic Gulf. During this phase of the mission, the aircraft made contact with a wave on the sea surface. The impact caused the aircraft to come to a halt in the waters off Patroklos Island.
Following the impact, a Super Puma helicopter operated by the Greek Navy arrived at the scene to conduct search and rescue operations. The crew of the helicopter successfully located and rescued both pilots from the wreckage. While the aircraft was eventually recovered from the sea, the impact with the water resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a mission related to fire suppression.
- The accident occurred during the return phase of the flight.
- The primary event leading to the loss of the aircraft was the impact with a wave.