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37 fatalities

Aircraft Crash into the Sea Near Athens-Ellinikon Airport (SX-BBQ)

Athens-Ellinikon, GreeceLanding (descent or approach)

On October 21, 1972, a NAMC YS-11 (registration SX-BBQ) operated by Olympic Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Athens-Ellinikon, Greece during landing or approach. 37 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident remains undetermined but it is believed that it was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain (water surface) while approaching Athens-Ellinikon Airport in limited visibility due to the night and poor weather… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the sea about 5 km offshore while approaching Athens-Ellinikon Airport at night in poor weather. 16 occupants were rescued, and 37, including a crew member, were killed.

Incident Overview and Flight Phase The aircraft departed Kerkyra Airport and completed an uneventful flight before the crew initiated descent in poor weather conditions and limited visibility due to nighttime operations. During the final approach in stormy weather, the airplane struck the water surface and crashed into the sea approximately 5 kilometers offshore. ## Casualties and Recovery A total of 16 occupants were rescued from the water. Thirty-seven other occupants, including a crew member, were killed. The wreckage sank to a depth of 12 meters. It was recovered the following day and brought back onto the beach. ## Official Findings The official investigation stated that the exact cause of the accident remains undetermined. However, it was believed to be the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain, specifically the water surface, while approaching Athens-Ellinikon Airport in limited visibility due to night and poor weather conditions.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident remains undetermined but it is believed that it was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain (water surface) while approaching Athens-Ellinikon Airport in limited visibility due to the night and poor weather conditions.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 1972 NAMC YS-11 accident near Athens-Ellinikon, Greece?

An aircraft crashed into the sea about 5 km offshore while approaching Athens-Ellinikon Airport at night in poor weather. 16 occupants were rescued, and 37, including a crew member, were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 1972 NAMC YS-11 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 37 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 1972 involved a NAMC YS-11, registration SX-BBQ, operated by Olympic Airways, at Athens-Ellinikon, Greece.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident remains undetermined but it is believed that it was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain (water surface) while approaching Athens-Ellinikon Airport in limited visibility due to the night and poor weather conditions.

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