The Civil Aviation Authority has summoned a helicopter pilot to a hearing after landing on crowded Sarakiniko beach on the Greek island of Milos. Images of the aircraft on the sand among hundreds of swimmers sparked strong reactions and prompted official action. Authorities are investigating why the aircraft landed on one of the most popular beaches in the Cyclades.
Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas told news outlet protothema.gr that the flight had approval to land in the Alykes region. That authorized landing area is located near Adamantas and Milos airport.
The helicopter did not head to the approved helipad. Instead, it flew several kilometres to the northern coast of the island and landed directly on Sarakiniko beach while hundreds of visitors were swimming.
Authorized landing location
Dimas said the Civil Aviation Authority launched formal proceedings to question the pilot about the decision to alter course. The hearing will examine the exact conditions of the flight and why the pilot chose a crowded beach over the designated landing site.
Officials will decide after the hearing whether flight violations took place and if sanctions should be imposed on the pilot. Prosecutors have also intervened to examine the incident, which occurred after passengers landed at the beach to swim.
The unauthorized landing raised concerns about Greek aviation safety standards. Authorities are reviewing whether current legal frameworks provide adequate safeguards for helicopter flights landing outside organized infrastructure near large crowds.
