Australian operator McDermott Aviation has confirmed that two of its Bell 214ST helicopters were involved in a mid-air collision while performing wildfire suppression duties near Psatha, Greece. The incident occurred on Sunday during high-intensity operations as crews battled significant blazes in the Attica region.
Authorities report that two crew members were killed in the crash. The two individuals aboard the second aircraft survived the encounter and are currently receiving medical care. McDermott Aviation confirmed that no Australian citizens were among the crews on either helicopter at the time of the collision.
The Bell 214ST is a heavy-lift platform frequently utilized in demanding aerial firefighting environments. Operating multiple aircraft in close proximity requires rigorous adherence to deconfliction protocols and precise flight coordination, particularly in challenging mountainous terrain with high wind speeds. These conditions often push crews to the limits of operational capacity.
Greek aviation officials have initiated a formal investigation to determine the factors leading to the accident. McDermott Aviation stated that it is cooperating fully with investigators as they analyze the circumstances surrounding the flight path and collision.