British Newlyweds Die in Greece Helicopter Crash as Investigators Probe Mechanical Fault
A British couple on honeymoon and their pilot were killed when a private helicopter crashed and burst into flames just before landing on the Greek
A British couple on honeymoon and their pilot were killed when a private helicopter crashed and burst into flames just before landing on the Greek island of Sifnos. Police and local officials said investigators were now focusing on a possible mechanical fault after residents reported hearing a loud, strange noise from the aircraft.
Marie Ebert and Alexander Cromie, who lived in London and had recently married, died in the accident on Monday evening along with pilot Giorgos Raikos. The helicopter, a privately chartered Bell 206, went down in the Tholos area of Sifnos, in the western Cyclades.
Probe centres on engine failure
Greek police believe a technical problem may have brought the aircraft down moments before it was due to land. One well-placed source said the inquiry was now concentrating on the helicopter itself and the possibility of engine failure.
“What has happened is nothing short of a tragedy,” the source said.
Deputy mayor Manolis Fountoulakis told Greek television that people in the area had testified to hearing the helicopter make an unusual sound before the crash. He said there was “almost nothing left” of the aircraft when he reached the site a few minutes later.
He described the wreckage as a shapeless mass. A body was found a few metres from the main impact point.
Fire broke out on impact
The crash triggered a large fire and an alarm heard across the island. Greek fire service officials said two firefighters and one vehicle were sent to the scene, while a rescue team travelled from Syros by speedboat.
Footage from the area showed smoke rising from the crash site. Nearby CCTV reportedly captured the helicopter spinning out of control before it hit the ground and ignited. No casualties were reported on the ground.
Officials in Syros identified the pilot as Giorgos Raikos, 53, saying he had served as a former air force officer and was extremely experienced. The Foreign Office said it was providing support to those affected and was in contact with local authorities.
For Sifnos, a small Aegean island better known for its holiday season calm, the wreck left a violent scene at the edge of a honeymoon trip that was supposed to end in celebration. Investigators are expected to keep examining the aircraft and the final moments before touchdown.
