Initial findings into a fatal mid-air collision between two firefighting helicopters in Psatha on Wednesday have ruled out technical failure, investigators said.
Testimonies from a surviving British pilot and a Greek liaison officer suggest the crash during operations against a major wildfire was caused by coordination issues rather than mechanical fault. Authorities are reviewing recorded audio and forensic evidence while focusing on who issued operational commands over the fire front.
Once expert investigations conclude, officers plan to re-examine the remaining crew members of the second helicopter, operational planners, Operations Center staff, first responders, and EKAB ambulance personnel.
Interpreter testimony and warning systems
According to Vasilis Lambropoulos, a police reporter for To Vima and Ta Nea newspapers, the injured Greek interpreter testified that three helicopters were operating in the area. He stated that his crew had coordinated with the first helicopter as it dropped water and were preparing their own drop when an unexpected impact occurred with what proved to be another firefighting helicopter.
The interpreter noted that although the aircraft were equipped with audio collision warning systems, no alert sounded prior to the crash. He added that the crew had briefly established visual contact with the second helicopter moments before the collision.
Family demands and firefighter accounts
The mother, sister, and wife of the deceased Greek pilot have requested a full judicial investigation. They argued that any inquiry into responsibilities should not be restricted solely to the two pilots of the other helicopter.
More than ten firefighters working on the ground witnessed the collision at close range. The helicopter carrying the Greek pilot and a Danish crew member, both of whom were killed, crashed onto the asphalt just meters from ground crews.
One firefighter said the incident was terrifying, explaining that one helicopter ascended from a ravine while the other traveled rapidly on what appeared to be a reconnaissance mission, leaving neither pilot aware of the other. Another firefighter said the crew remained in shock, noting that while ground teams prepare for fire entrapment, they never anticipated a collision 50 meters overhead that sent metal debris raining down beside them like water.
