An investigation is underway into the fatal collision of two leased Bell firefighting helicopters near Psatha, west Attica, on August 2, as authorities examine flight paths, coordination procedures and communications before the crash.
A pilot with direct knowledge of aerial firefighting operations in the area told Kathimerini that the helicopters did not appear to be flying as a pair but approached the area separately. “One was later in the other’s blind spot,” the source said. The pilot noted that both aircraft were of the same type and operating under similar conditions, making the collision unusual.
According to the source, a Fire Service helicopter was conducting aerial coordination while a senior officer managed ground operations. Investigators are expected to examine whether helicopter N746H had visual contact with N511EV, which was already operating in the area, as well as what instructions were issued before and after its departure from Elefsina airport.
Retired Fire Service lieutenant general and judicial expert Andrianos Gourbatsis, citing Flightradar24 data, said the coordinating helicopter was flying over the fire front near Vilia when the collision occurred. He added that available evidence does not indicate the two firefighting helicopters were operating as a pair.
