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A second part reportedly detached from a National Guard helicopter during a training exercise in Paphos on Wednesday, according to information obtained by Kathimerini. Officials have not yet confirmed the incident.
Local outlet PafosPress reported that the fallen piece, described as smaller than the first, landed in the yard of a private residence, damaging garden equipment. No injuries were reported.
Investigation underway
Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, speaking on state television, said the National Guard has already notified the helicopter’s manufacturers. He noted that personnel had begun training on the new aircraft some time ago.
“We do not want to minimize what happened,” Palmas said. “At the same time, it’s important to remember that the National Guard operates in a high-risk environment. Our people train daily, and unfortunately, incidents like this can occur.”
He added that the military aims to reduce such occurrences “as much as possible so that no one is put in danger,” but acknowledged that risk is inherent in National Guard operations.
Palmas said investigators are expected to deliver preliminary findings within 48 hours to determine whether the failure stemmed from a technical fault or human error.
