Aircraft crash on Mount Dirfi during evacuation mission

17 fatalities • Mt Dirfi (Dirphys), Greece • Flight

A military transport aircraft crashed into a mountain slope on Evia Island, resulting in the deaths of all 17 people on board.

What happened

During an evacuation operation necessitated by significant snowfall, a military flight departed from Elefsis Air Base in Athens. The mission was transporting military personnel toward their destination.

While the aircraft was cruising near Skopelos Island, the crew encountered unforeseen technical difficulties. In response to these issues, the pilots decided to abort the mission and attempt an emergency return to their home base. Shortly after this decision, the aircraft type struck the side of Mount Dirfi, which has an elevation of 1,743 meters, situated in the central region of Evia Island.

The impact resulted in a total of 17 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants of the plane.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while attempting to return to base following the onset of unexpected technical problems.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1956-02-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mt Dirfi (Dirphys), Greece?

A military transport aircraft crashed into a mountain slope on Evia Island, resulting in the deaths of all 17 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1956-02-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1956-02-12 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Hellenic Air Force - Elleniki Polemiki Aeroporia, at Mt Dirfi (Dirphys), Greece.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while attempting to return to base following the onset of unexpected technical problems.

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