Fatal light aircraft crash in Pieria results in two deaths

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, a light single-engine aircraft crashed into a dry riverbed near the Pieria Aeroclub runway in Kontariotissa, Greece. The crash, which occurred around 13:50, claimed the lives of the two occupants: 41-year-old Christos Anastasiadis, a highly experienced Hellenic Air Force Canadair pilot and father of four, and 58-year-old passenger Theologos Marantidis. Eight firefighters using four vehicles responded to the scene, where they recovered the victims, who had been thrown from the aircraft.

According to the President of the Pieria Aeroclub, Giannis Charisis, the flight had been in the air for approximately 40 minutes and was intended as an orientation or familiarization flight. Witnesses noted that the pilot requested a standard low-altitude pass over the runway just before the accident occurred. While some early reports speculated about potential pilot error during maneuvers, official investigations are ongoing. Authorities are currently examining the wreckage and witness statements to determine the specific circumstances and technical causes of the fatal impact. The victims were transported to the Katerini General Hospital, where their deaths were confirmed.