Two Crew Killed After Firefighting Helicopters Collide in Greece
Tragic Mid-Air Collision During Wildfire Operations
Ninoda.com – Two crew killed after firefighting helicopters collided in a dramatic mid-air incident near Athens, claiming the lives of a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service coordinator. The collision occurred on Sunday while both Bell helicopters were actively battling a substantial wildfire along the Attica-Boeotia border. Miraculously, the British pilot and Greek coordinator aboard the second aircraft survived with only minor injuries after the emergency landing in an area characterized by low vegetation.
The British survivor, identified as a private pilot contracted specifically for the wildfire season, was not part of any formal exchange program between the United Kingdom and Greece. Athens had not formally requested his assistance. The Ekathimerini news website reported that both survivors promptly communicated details of the collision, effectively guiding rescue teams to the crash location approximately 65 kilometers west of Athens.
Survivors and Rescue Response
According to a civil protection ministry source speaking to the BBC, both survivors remained conscious following the emergency landing. They were transported to a hospital where medical staff will monitor them for 24 hours as a precautionary measure. Video footage captured the dramatic moment showing one Bell helicopter striking the propellers of its counterpart, causing the second aircraft to burst into flames before plunging into a ravine.
In a post on X, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the loss of the Greek coordinator and Danish pilot “fills us all with grief”. He also sent heartfelt condolences to their families during this difficult time.
Incident Details and Grounding Protocol
The Greek Fire Service confirmed that the two Bell helicopters, leased from Australian firm McDermott Aviation, collided while combating the wildfire. Following the accident, all Bell helicopters operating across the country have been grounded according to established protocol. Firefighters and forensic experts were observed working at the crash site, though the names of the four crew members have not yet been made public.
John McDermott, founder and president of McDermott Aviation, issued a statement expressing his organization’s thoughts and deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those affected. He confirmed that McDermott Aviation is collaborating closely with relevant authorities and will continue supporting the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident.
Broader European Wildfire Context
Firefighting efforts continue across the region with Erickson Air-Crane and Chinook helicopters, alongside Canadair water-bombing aircraft, maintaining operations. This week has seen significant fire activity throughout Europe, with France and Spain battling major blazes near Madrid and Bordeaux respectively. While those fires have been largely contained, they continue to burn. Approximately 300,000 evacuated residents have begun returning to their homes.
Within Greece, media outlets describe an intense struggle across multiple regions including Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara, and Kefalonia. More than 500 firefighters have been working continuously over the past three days to control the situation. While human activity typically sparks most wildfires, climate change is increasingly creating favorable conditions for such disasters. A mild and wet winter promoted vegetation growth, which subsequently dried during successive heatwaves, providing abundant fuel for the current fires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the helicopter collision in Greece?
The collision occurred when one Bell helicopter struck the propellers of its counterpart during active firefighting operations. Both aircraft were leased from McDermott Aviation and were battling a substantial wildfire along the Attica-Boeotia border when the incident took place on Sunday.
Who were the victims of the helicopter crash?
Two crew members did not survive the incident: a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer. They were recovered unconscious from the second aircraft and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
How many people survived the collision?
Two crew members survived with minor injuries: a British private pilot and a Greek coordinator aboard the second aircraft. Both remained conscious and were transported to a hospital for monitoring.
Are all firefighting helicopters grounded in Greece?
Yes, all Bell helicopters operating across the country have been grounded according to established protocol following the accident. Other types of firefighting aircraft, including Erickson Air-Crane, Chinook helicopters, and Canadair water-bombing aircraft, continue their operations.
What is the current status of wildfires in Greece?
More than 500 firefighters have been working continuously over the past three days to control fires across multiple regions including Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara, and Kefalonia. Climate change has created favorable conditions with abundant vegetation fuel following a mild and wet winter.
