Μake us preferred on Google Greek police have launched a formal investigation into the fatal midair collision of two leased Bell firefighting helicopters during wildfire suppression operations in the Psatha area of western Attica.
The investigation, ordered by the competent public prosecutor, aims to determine the exact circumstances that led to Sunday’s deadly crash, which occurred on Aug. 2 as aircraft battled a major forest fire burning in the region.
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The collision claimed the lives of two crew members: a Greek aerial operations coordinator and a Danish pilot. Two other crew members aboard the second helicopter—a Greek national and a British national—survived the crash and were rescued from the wreckage.
According to the latest medical assessments, both survivors are in good condition and are not facing life-threatening injuries.
Investigation Under Prosecutor’s Supervision
Police investigators have assumed responsibility for the preliminary inquiry, collecting physical evidence and witness testimony to establish the cause of the accident.
The crash site has been sealed off and is being guarded by police to preserve evidence while forensic examinations are carried out.
Once investigators complete the evidence-gathering process, the case file will be submitted to the competent prosecutorial authorities.
Sequence of the Crash
According to the initial findings, which are also supported by video footage from the area, the two helicopters were operating at very close range. One aircraft was flying slightly higher than the other while both followed parallel flight paths.
Under circumstances that remain under investigation, the helicopters’ rotor systems came into contact.
The impact was immediate. The lower-flying helicopter broke apart almost instantly in midair before crashing to the ground in flames, killing its two crew members.
At the time of the accident, aerial firefighting crews were operating in extremely difficult conditions, with strong winds in western Attica significantly hampering firefighting efforts and forcing aircraft to conduct repeated water drops.
Following the crash, emergency safety protocols were immediately activated. Authorities ordered all Bell helicopters participating in the firefighting operation to remain grounded as a precaution while technical inspections are carried out before the aircraft are cleared to return to service.
