Three people have been arrested after the death of a 21-year-old Briton who was killed by a spinning rotor blade as he disembarked in Athens from a helicopter chartered by his family from Mykonos.
Greek authorities said the plane’s pilot and two ground engineers were detained after the incident.
“Our investigation has focused on possible negligence,” a police source said. “Basic questions have emerged from witness testimony as to why the paddles were not stopped when passengers were allowed to disembark on Monday.”
The victim, identified as Jack Fenton, died instantly. He was due to return to the UK on a private jet after going on holiday with his parents in Mykonos.
Greek media said the Oxford Brookes student was hit by the helicopter’s rear rotor while trying to take a selfie seconds after the Bell 407 touched down at a helipad near Spata.
Fenton’s parents, who were flying back in a second helicopter, were unaware of the tragedy when their own pilot was alerted and diverted to Athens International Airport.
A fleet of waiting limousines was to take the group to the airport from the heliport.
The Mykonos-Athens passage has become a popular route for Superior Air, the airline that operated the luxury helicopter.
Mykonos, which attracted the likes of Elon Musk this summer, has become a magnet for the super-rich.
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The results of an official police investigation are expected to be handed over to prosecutors on Tuesday. “We interviewed witnesses including [three] friends who were traveling with him,” said an officer. “The investigation will then be forwarded to the prosecutor who will take over the case.”
The unnamed pilot could face manslaughter charges, according to media reports.
Superior Air said safety protocols were followed when the helicopter landed in Athens.
Greek newspaper Protothema said landing staff had guided passengers off the plane but Fenton, the first to disembark unexpectedly, turned back and walked towards the helicopter while its engines were still running .