US embassy cable - 05ATHENS2925

UNCLAS ATHENS 002925 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAIR, GR, OLYAIR 
SUBJECT: HELLENIC CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY RESPONSE TO 
OLYMPIC AIRLINES 412 INCIDENT AT JFK 
 
REF: STATE 161732 
 
1.  (U)  Post has received the following response to the OA 
412 incident at JFK involving pilot Konstantinos Vardakis, 
related in FAR violation letter 2005 EA 290023.  Text as 
follows: 
 
Dear Ms. Susan Bennet, 
 
Thank you for your letter advising of the unfortunate event 
of July 9, 2005 at JFK International Airport, regarding 
Olympic Airlines A-340, Flight 412.  We were aware of the 
event shortly after occurrence by the advice of the company, 
through the incident notification process of the 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 and 
our Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board. 
 
Please be assure (sic) that the Authorities of the Hellenic 
Government in concert with the management of Olympic Airlines 
have taken appropriate action in accordance with the laws of 
our country to deter any similar occurrence. 
 
Such an event is of the outmost (sic) importance to our 
aviation community and provides us with an opportunity to 
reinforce the issues of Safety and compliance.  The matter 
has been brought to closure. 
 
Signature illegible. 
 
2.  The letter was transmitted from the office of the Deputy 
Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.  Original 
is being pouched to Department. 
RIES