‘Ghost Flight’: Remembering the 121 lives lost in the 2005 Helios Airways crash

·

Remembered as the deadliest aviation accident in Greek history, Helios Airways Flight 522 crashed near Grammatiko, Greece, on August 14, 2005, killing 121 passengers and crew.

The plane was scheduled to fly from Larnaca, Cyprus to Prague, Czech Republic, with a stopover at Athens International Airport.

According to an Aircraft Accident Report published in 2006, a ground engineer was sent to the plane prior to the flight to perform a pressurisation leak check. In order to carry out this check without requiring the aircraft’s engines, the pressurisation system was set to “manual”. However, the engineer failed to reset to “auto” on completion of the test.

Before every flight, the pressurisation system is checked on three separate occasions: during the pre-flight procedure, the after-start check, and the after take-off check. All three times, the flight crew overlooked the system, not noticing the incorrect setting.

A Helios Airways Boeing 737-31S at Ruzyne Airport (PRG / LKPR).

As the aircraft climbed, the pressure inside the cabin gradually decreased. As it passed through an altitude of 12,040 feet, the cabin altitude warning horn sounded.

This alert sound, which indicated a pressure loss, was identical to the take-off configuration warning, which the pilots assumed to be the cause. The plane continued to rise, and as it reached an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet, the oxygen masks in the passenger cabin automatically deployed.

The captain proceeded to radio the Helios operations centre and reported “the take-off configuration warning on” and “cooling equipment normal and alternate off line”. He then spoke to the ground engineer, who had checked the pressurisation before take off, and asked “Can you confirm that the pressurisation panel is set to AUTO?”

The engineers question was 60 seconds too late, as the captain was already experiencing hypoxia’s initial symptoms. The captain disregarded the question and instead asked in reply, “Where are my equipment cooling circuit breakers?”.

This was the last communication with the aircraft.

The aircraft continued to climb until it levelled off at approximately 34,000 feet. After repeated failed attempts at contact, two F-16 fighter aircraft were scrambled to establish visual contact.Intercepting the passenger jet at 11:24, the fighter pilots and observed the first officer face down on the control board and an empty captain seat.

Computer generated image of fighters flying next to Helios aircraft. Photo: Transport Central

20 minutes later, flight attendant Andreas Prodromou entered the cockpit and sat down in the captain’s seat, having remained conscious by using a portable oxygen supply. The flight attendant held a UK Commercial Pilot Licence, but was inexperienced in flying a Boeing 737. Crash investigators concluded that Prodromou’s experience was insufficient for him to be able to gain control of the aircraft under the circumstances.

The left engine proceeded to flame out due to fuel exhaustion, followed by right engine.Just before 12:04, the aircraft crashed into hills near Grammatiko, killing all 121 passengers and crew on board.

The passenger list included 93 adults and 22 children, comprising of 103 Cypriot nationals and 12 Greek nationals.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Pontian community leader Peter Jasonides passes away in Melbourne

Prominent and much-loved Pontian community leader Peter Jasonides passed away today in Melbourne, Victoria.

Saint Nectarios Burwood’s Christina Scalone named Senior of the Year for Drummoyne

Christina Scalone has been named one of seven 2025 Seniors of the Year for the Drummoyne electorate, in recognition of her voluntary service.

Sophie Cotsis calls for simple reimbursement system for people affected by COVID test payments

“If you have paid a fee you deserve a speedy, straightforward system of reimbursement to make up for the inconvenience you have already experienced," Sophie Cotsis said.