Pilots of the firefighting aircraft were two flying from the 355 Tactical Transport Squadron in Elefsina – It was making drops in a difficult place in the village of Platanistos where the fire is still raging
An alarm was raised at the Fire Department as shortly before 15:00 it became known that a Canadair crashed in Karystos, in the area of Platanistos. The firefighting aircraft piloted by two Greek pilots from the 355th Tactical Transport Squadron of the 112th Fighter Wing in Elefsina crashed while operating the extinguishing project in Karystos.
In particular, the Canadair belonging to the Air Force, fell into a ravine in the village of Potami. Military crews rushed to the area to see exactly what has happened and in what condition the crew of the aircraft is, while the national operations center was activated.
Watch video, the aircraft shortly before the crash:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH2o_rWu8_U
The video shows the plane releasing water, making a right turn and losing altitude. Just before the right turn, it appears to hit a branch and lose the float from the right wing. Apparently this is a mechanical failure as the aircraft continues to lose altitude and cannot climb over the ravine.
The Canadair CL-215 that crashed was making airdrops along with another Canadair at that particular fire. Note that the drops are always done with two aircraft (attempted in pairs) and they also always make a first pass over the spot to locate exactly where they should make the drop.
The Canadair that crashed is a CL-215, it took off from Nea Aghialos Volos, and like all Canadairs of this old type (CL-215) it had no ejection system for the captain and co-pilot.
Testimonies of residents state that they saw the fall of the plane. Shocking testimony of a resident reports on evima.gr: “I saw the canister fall in front of me, I am shocked, I hope the children are fine.”
The rescue search operation at the Canadair crash site continues. According to information, a helicopter from the operating team has already landed, from the air with a hook, a rescuer at the point, where there is a great danger due to the fuel (kerosene) of the crashed aircraft.
Along with the fire engines, an EKAV ambulance has rushed and is waiting.
The Air Force statement on the crash of CL-215
“On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 14:52, a CL-215 aircraft, with a crew of two Airmen, of the 355th Tactical Transport Squadron of the 112th Fighter Wing, crashed during aerial firefighting in Platanistos, Evia.
A search and rescue operation is underway for the two Airmen. 1 Super Puma helicopter and 1 AB-205 helicopter of the Air Force, as well as 1 S-70 helicopter of the Navy have rushed to the area.
Commander (I) Sotirios Maggotsios
GEA Press Representative”
