British Newlyweds and Pilot Killed in Bell 206 Helicopter Crash on Greek Island

A British couple on their honeymoon and their pilot were killed when their chartered helicopter crashed near the Greek island of Sifnos on August 17, 2026. The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by Greek charter company Bellavia Aviation Services, was en route from Markopoulo near Athens to Sifnos when it crashed on a hillside in the Tholos area, close to the island’s heliport.

The impact caused a fire that destroyed much of the aircraft. Emergency crews recovered the bodies of the three occupants-Alexander Cromie, Marie Ebert, and pilot Giorgos Raikos-from the crash site. Video footage from near the heliport shows the helicopter descending erratically before disappearing behind buildings, followed by a fireball and black smoke.

## Investigation Underway The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport confirmed that the National Organisation for the Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety is leading the investigation. While residents reported hearing unusual noises from the helicopter before the crash, investigators have not yet confirmed whether mechanical failure played a role.

The crash occurred two weeks after a separate incident involving two firefighting helicopters that collided while battling a wildfire northwest of Athens. In that accident, two crew members were killed, while the second helicopter made an emergency landing.

## Victims Identified Cromie worked as a vice president in Blackstone’s private wealth solutions business, while Ebert was a senior specialist at consulting firm Bain & Company. A Bain spokesperson expressed shock at the tragedy, stating, “Our thoughts and support are with the families involved at this very difficult time.”

Raikos, the pilot, was a former Greek military officer who continued flying professionally after leaving the armed forces.

The cause of the crash remains undetermined as authorities continue their investigation.