THESSALONIKI, Greece, Oct 6 – A Ukrainian passenger jet was impounded Friday in this northern city, amid a compensation battle over a 1997 plane crash that killed 74 people, authorities said.
The Boeing 737, operated by the Kyiv-based Aerosvit Airlines, was confined to Thessaloniki Airport after a court granted a request by the family of one victim.
Aerosvit is contesting the ruling and plans to appeal, court sources said.
The air disaster occurred on Dec. 17 1997, when a Russian-made Yak-42 flying from Odessa crashed into the snow-covered Pieria mountains, south of Thessaloniki. There were no survivors.
Damage claims exceed 10 billion drachmas ($25.6 million) and are also leveled at the Greek state and another Ukrainian company that leased the plane to the airline.
Two Greek air traffic controllers, charged with manslaughter and violating safety procedure, went on trial Friday for their alleged role in the accident. The trial continues Monday.
