Two Killed in Greek Helicopter Midair Collision

Greek aviation officials are closely monitoring ongoing aerial firefighting missions after a pair of Bell 214ST helicopters had a fatal midair collision on Sunday afternoon. A Danish pilot and a liaison officer from the Greek fire service were killed when the rotorcraft crashed in Attica, west of the capital (Athens), and a British pilot and another firefighter are being treated in a hospital for minor injuries after landing in rough terrain.

The rotorcraft are owned by Australian air services group McDermott Aviation and have been operating under contract to Greek authorities from the Elefsis (or Elefsina) Air Base. Following the accident, Greek officials grounded Bell 214s but have allowed other helicopters and airplanes to continue firefighting missions when possible during windy conditions that have spread wildfires across large areas of the country.

Members of McDermott's leadership team have traveled to Greece where, a spokesperson explained, they will "support our personnel on the ground, assist the families of those affected, and continue working closely with the relevant Greek authorities as they undertake their investigation into the accident."

According to McDermott, it has operated aircraft in Greece for many years and has provided aerial firefighting support for the past seven consecutive fire seasons. "While this is an incredibly difficult time, out commitment to supporting the people and communities who rely on us remains unchallenged," the company said in a statement to the media. "Our teams continue to assist in firefighting operations in Greece as Europe battles significant wildfire activity, while we also continue preparations for the upcoming Australian bushfire season to ensure we are ready to respond whenever we are needed."

Widely circulated video posted on social media platforms shows the two aircraft flying in close formation before colliding at low altitude. One of the Bell 214STs subsequently fell to the ground while the other was able to change course and land.

Aircraft have been deployed across Europe,  including France and Spain, as part of efforts to manage fast-spreading forest fires. Fires in the Gironde region of southwestern France have disrupted manufacturing at Dassault Aviation’s facilities near Bordeaux.