Problems With Cabin Pressure May Have Led To Mishap

By ANN Contributor Nathan Morley

The doomed Cypriot Helios Airways plane that crashed in Athens eight days ago ran out of fuel and suffered a loss of cabin pressure. So say Greek investigators still poring over the wreckage.

The crash killed 121 people on board the Boeing 737-300 when the aircraft, travelling from Larnaca, Cyprus, crashed into a hillside approximately 40 km north of Athens on August 14th.

A report on state run Greek TV said a preliminary report into the crash had been presented to the Greek Ministry of Transport by chief investigator Akrivos Tsolakis.

Autopsies have been conducted on all 118 bodies found at the crash site. But three bodies, including the German captain's remain missing. Coroners say passengers on the Helios Airways Boeing 737 were alive -- though possibly unconscious -- when it crashed.

According to the Cyprus News Agency the results of additional forensic examinations will be announced Wednesday. They will determine whether the passengers and crew had inhaled any toxic fumes during the flight, although carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out.

Helios Airways continues to fly to and from UK airports, using hired planes from other carriers. But passengers are forced to endure lengthy delays to its schedules. One Cypriot radio station is reporting that Dublin-bound tourists have been stranded at Larnaca airport for 38 hours.

As ANN reported last week, a Helios pilot reported trouble with his flaps. the plane was, however, able to land safely at Birmingham.

Last week another Helios plane en route for London Luton airport was diverted to nearby Stansted airport where it landed safely after the crew again reported a flaps problem.

(Nathan Morley reports for Aya Napa Radio in Cyprus and has been a long-time contributor to Aero-News)

FMI: www.flyhelios.com