Two Firefighting Helicopters Collide Over Psatha, Greece, Killing Two Crew Members

Psatha helicopter collision firefighting helicopters Greek wildfire pilot visual contact investigation

During a wildfire‑suppression operation near Psatha in central Greece, two Bell firefighting helicopters collided in mid‑air, killing both crew members aboard the second aircraft. The pilot of the second helicopter told police he had no visual contact with the other aircraft, which was flying directly below him.

Investigators from the Greek Organized Crime Directorate (the “Greek FBI”), the Fire Service (ELAS), and the National Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK) have taken statements from the surviving pilot, the crew of a third helicopter that was following the pair, eyewitnesses and a doctor who arrived first at the crash site. Early findings have ruled out mechanical failure, focusing instead on possible pilot error, miscommunication, and blind‑spot issues. Evidence shows that four helicopters were operating in the area at the time: three low‑flying water‑drop units and a fourth higher‑altitude aircraft serving as a coordination platform. The investigation is examining radio communications, flight‑recorder data and whether aerial coordination protocols were properly followed.

Entities: Bell firefighting helicopter · British pilot · British pilot (survivor) · Danish firefighter (deceased) · ELAS (Greek Fire Service) · Federal Aviation Administration · Greek Accident Investigation Authority (EODASAAM) · Greek Fire Service · Greek Organized Crime Directorate · Hellenic Fire Service · Nikos Lavranos · Psatha