Two pilots who tragically lost their lives while fighting wildfires in Greece had communicated with their colleagues shortly before the accident. Squadron Leader Christos Moulas and Deputy Squadron Leader Pericles Stefanidis were flying over the island of Evia, near Athens, when their plane brushed against a tree, causing a loss of altitude.
In the moments leading up to the crash, the brave pilots had vowed to make a final attempt to control the wildfires on the hillside. According to reports, the last person to speak with them was a firefighter on the ground. He recounted that just minutes before the crash, he was in communication with the pilots and was astonished that within ten minutes, he received the devastating news of the accident.
The firefighter revealed that there were no indications of any problems with the aircraft during their conversation. The pilots had reassured him, saying, “we are ready to try. We go for a last supply and we leave.”
This unfortunate incident has brought immense grief and sadness, and the bravery and dedication shown by the pilots in their final moments will always be remembered.