Just hours after being admitted, the two pilots of a firefighting helicopter that crashed into Lake Aoou near Metsovo were discharged from the University Hospital of Ioannina.
Safe discharge after precautionary checks
The crew had been assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in Grevena — specifically in the Valia Kalda area — when the incident occurred late on Thursday, 25 June 2026. According to treating physicians, both pilots were in excellent health; their brief hospital stay was strictly for precautionary medical evaluations. No additional injuries or complications were identified.
Both pilots signed their own discharge papers and left the hospital late that evening. They described themselves as deeply shaken by the ordeal. “I truly feel incredibly lucky to be okay — very happy that neither my colleague nor I sustained any injuries,” said the 29-year-old pilot.
The Australian co-pilot appeared calmer following the incident and showed no signs of serious health concerns, according to hospital sources. Medical staff confirmed both men’s recovery was progressing exceptionally well, allowing for their safe release.
What happened?
The accident occurred during a water-scooping operation at the artificial Lake Pigion Aoou — part of the Aoou reservoir system — where the helicopter was refilling its tanks ahead of another fire-suppression run over Grevena.
Preliminary reports indicate the tail section of the Bell helicopter made contact with the lake’s surface, causing it to lose stability and plunge into the water. An explosion followed. Emergency response was immediate: local authorities raised the alarm and launched a swift rescue operation.
The helicopter was leased by the Hellenic Fire Service and had taken off from Ioannina Airport to support aerial firefighting operations in the Grevena region.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the relevant authorities. Footage captured in the aftermath — including video documentation of the pilots’ calm response and successful escape — has since been released, highlighting both the severity of the incident and the crew’s composure under pressure.