Fatal aircraft collision with Mt Kithairon during training mission

23 fatalities • Vilia, Greece • Flight

An aircraft carrying paratroopers and crew crashed into a mountainside near Vilia, resulting in 23 fatalities.

What happened

During a scheduled training flight, an aircraft transporting 22 paratroopers and a crew of 5 struck the side of Mt Kithairon. The incident occurred near Vilia, situated approximately 47 km northwest of Athens. At the time of the impact, the aircraft was operating in heavy fog.

Following the collision, rescue efforts successfully located three paratroopers and one member of the crew. However, the accident resulted in 23 fatalities among the occupants on board.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was controlled flight into terrain while the aircraft was navigating through low-visibility conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft flew into the terrain while operating in foggy conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-01-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Vilia, Greece?

An aircraft carrying paratroopers and crew crashed into a mountainside near Vilia, resulting in 23 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-01-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 23 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-01-12 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Hellenic Air Force - Elleniki Polemiki Aeroporia, at Vilia, Greece.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft flew into the terrain while operating in foggy conditions.

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