Helicopter lands on public beach in Spetses

On August 22, 2026, a helicopter landed on Zogeria beach in Spetses, Greece, while swimmers were present. The unauthorized landing caused a significant dust cloud, forcing beachgoers to evacuate the area. Passengers, including a 39-year-old Greek man and a foreign woman, departed the scene via a water taxi. The aircraft had reportedly departed from Keratea. Authorities, including police and the Coast Guard, were mobilized immediately, and the Piraeus prosecutor requested an investigation into the incident.

The German pilot claimed he could not land at the island's designated helipad due to an obstruction caused by a motorcycle, prompting him to choose the beach instead. During the subsequent investigation, the 39-year-old male passenger was briefly detained after an off-duty officer observed him disposing of a bag containing 0.5 grams of cocaine and 5 grams of hashish. The passenger was later released by order of the prosecutor. Investigations remain ongoing to determine if aviation safety regulations were violated.