A shocking drone video, obtained by newsit.gr, captures the dramatic moments immediately after a Hellenic Fire Service helicopter crashed into Lake Pigi Aou, near Metsovo, in northwestern Greece, on the morning of Thursday, 25 June 2026. The footage shows one of the two pilots in the water, swimming around the submerged Bell helicopter just minutes after the accident occurred during a water-scooping operation.
Despite the shock and challenging conditions, the pilot managed to safely exit the aircraft. Shortly afterward, both crew members reached the shore — unharmed and conscious.
The incident ended without fatalities. Both pilots were evacuated as a precaution to the University Hospital of Ioannina, where initial reports confirm they are in good health.
According to preliminary information, the helicopter was conducting a water pickup from the artificial Lake Pigi Aou — part of the Aoos River system — to replenish its tanks for firefighting operations in Grevena, specifically in the mountainous area of Valia Kalda, where a major wildfire was burning.
An eyewitness who filmed the crash spoke exclusively to newsit.gr, describing what happened: “The helicopter was taking water from the lake. At some point, it opened its tanks — it couldn’t gain altitude — and half of it entered the water. It tried to lift off, tilted sideways, the rotors hit the surface, caught fire, and exploded.”
Metsovo’s mayor, Maria Christina Averof, also commented on the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest the tail section of the Bell helicopter struck the lake’s surface first, causing it to lose balance and capsize into the water. An explosion followed, prompting an immediate emergency response and rescue operation.
The Agusta Bell helicopter was chartered by the Hellenic Fire Service and had taken off from Ioannina Airport. It was en route to Valia Kalda when it made a planned stop at Lake Pigi Aou for refilling. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by competent authorities. The newly released footage documents those critical post-crash moments — and highlights the calm, effective response of both pilots, who successfully escaped the sinking aircraft.