Two dead as Bell helicopters collide during Attica wildfire battle; fleet grounded

The collision

Two Bell helicopters leased from Australia's McDermott Aviation collided mid-air on Sunday while battling the large wildfire in the Attica-Viotia region. The aircraft had taken off from Elefsina airport and were operating near Psatha. One helicopter made an emergency landing on a road, while the other crashed into a ravine about one kilometre away. Thick smoke and a small fire broke out at the scene, but no explosion occurred.

Smoke, a small fire, and great anxiety.

Victims and rescue

Four people were on board: two Greek nationals and two foreign nationals. The two survivors from the first helicopter were rescued with minor injuries. The two occupants of the second helicopter were pulled unconscious and later pronounced dead at hospital. The dead were identified as a Greek coordinator and a Danish pilot, though one report initially mentioned a Romanian victim. The survivors included a British pilot and a Greek crew member. All were taken to the 251 General Air Force Hospital.

On behalf of the physical and political leadership of the Fire Service, I express sincere condolences to the families of the two men of the crew of the one helicopter.

Firefighting operation

The Attica-Viotia wildfire entered its third day on Sunday, fuelled by strong winds that had persisted for five days. Ground forces, volunteers, and the military's "DEUKALION" team were deployed. Aerial operations were hampered by the winds; aircraft struggled to fly, so up to 20 helicopters were used periodically. By midday, conditions improved slightly, allowing 8 aircraft and 20 helicopters to operate. The fire prompted 17 evacuation alerts via the 112 emergency system for settlements including Agia Skepi, Kandili, and the Megara industrial zone.

Fleet grounding and investigation

Immediately after the crash, the Fire Service grounded all Bell helicopters operating in Greece as a safety precaution. The remaining aerial fleet consisted of 8 Erickson, 2 Canadair, and 2 Chinook aircraft. The cause of the collision is under investigation; early indications point to human error, with no evidence of technical failure. The helicopters were part of a 15-strong Bell fleet deployed by McDermott Aviation in May for the 2026 fire season, its seventh year of cooperation with Greek authorities.

Broader fire situation

Since 27 July, 220 agroforestry fires have broken out across Greece. Authorities have made 33 arrests for arson. Elsewhere, an active front persisted in Kefalonia, while fires in Fokida, Aigialeia, Argos, Chalkidiki, Samothrace, and Kavala were contained. The collision follows a non-fatal crash of a leased Bell 214B into Lake Aoos on 25 June, in which both crew members swam to safety.