New photographs from the second helicopter involved in a deadly midair collision during aerial firefighting operations over Psatha, in Western Attica, have been released as investigators continue examining what caused the crash.
The images, obtained by Greek public broadcaster ERTnews, show the helicopter after it went down. It is the aircraft from which a British pilot and a Greek liaison and translator managed to escape, jumping clear just seconds before the helicopter was engulfed in flames.
The two aircraft involved, both Bell AB-214 ST helicopters, collided on August 2 while working to put out a large wildfire in Western Attica. A Danish pilot and a Greek crew coordinator aboard one of the helicopters were killed in the crash. The crew of the second helicopter sustained minor injuries.
Investigation assigned to Greece's 'FBI'
The case has been assigned to what Greek authorities describe as the country's "FBI," and investigators are working to establish the exact circumstances under which the two helicopters collided. According to reports, three expert investigators will be appointed to examine different aspects of the accident and produce findings. Investigators plan to take statements from everyone involved and to use all available visual and technical evidence.
Drone survey of the crash site
A team from the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE), led by the director of the service and specialized personnel, visited the crash site to inspect the wreckage.
A drone was used to record aerial footage of both the immediate crash site and the surrounding area. The material collected will be assessed together with other relevant authorities and forwarded to prosecutors.
US aviation regulator holds jurisdiction
Sources at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said the investigation into the crash falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Federal Aviation Administration, because the two helicopters carry American registration. The aircraft belong to the company McDermond and were leased by the Greek state for firefighting operations.
According to the same sources, McDermond has already notified the FAA, which has opened its own investigation under standard procedures.
The sources also said that EODASAAM, under its founding law, does not have jurisdiction to investigate accidents involving firefighting aircraft. However, it can assist the Hellenic Police by providing technical expertise if asked to do so.
