Authorities are investigating the landing of a private helicopter at the popular Sarakiniko beach on the Cycladic island of Milos, where it touched down among hundreds of visitors so a passenger could go swimming.
A prosecutor has ordered police to collect information on the pilot, passenger and helicopter as authorities determine whether any offense was committed. Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority is also investigating and is expected to call the pilot in for questioning.
The case took a new turn after Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas said the helicopter’s landing authorization was for Alykes, near Adamantas, the island’s main port, and Milos airport – not Sarakiniko.
The aircraft, a Robinson R44, is a four-seat, single-engine light utility helicopter commonly used for private flights, charter services and flight training. It instead flew to Sarakiniko, on the island’s northern coast, and landed on its distinctive white volcanic rocks. Video of the incident quickly spread online, showing the aircraft amid a large number of beachgoers.
The landing raised concerns about public safety and the protection of Sarakiniko, one of Greece’s best-known tourist attractions.
