Crash Hellenic Air Force Dromader

On 8 August 2021, Elliniki Polemiki Aeroporia (HAF, Hellenic Air Force) PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader with serial 128 (construction number 1Z011-28) crashed near Machairado in the Lagopodo region of Zakynthos Island.

Two PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromaders were deployed to the island assisting in fire fighting duties.

The cause of the crash is still unknown, but is reported that the aircraft hit some trees after experiencing los of control due to hot air layers. Luckily, the pilot survived the crash.

All Dromaders are operated by the 359 MED MAEDY and are based at Dekelia/Tatoi air base. In total 33 Dromaders, thirty PZL M-18 and three PZL M-18BS, were delivered to Greece, of which twelve were written off in accidents (including this latest crash).

During the firefighting season, from around June to October, the unit is sending its Dromaders Dromaders in pairs to about eight airfields around the country. From there, they operate from sunrise to sunset. With all pre-flight checks carried out early in the morning and with water and fuel tanks filled, pilots can be airborne in about ten minutes. The unit’s main goal is to prevent fires and extinguish them early on, rather than fighting against big fires. For this reason, the aircraft also carry out preventive surveillance flights with a water load when requested by the fire department.

Photo by Jurgen van Toor