Story perspectives

Bell Fire Helicopters Crash Over Athens, Two Killed, Fleet Grounded

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Two Bell firefighting helicopters collided over the Psatha area west of Athens on 2 August 2026 during a wind-driven wildfire.
The crash killed a Danish pilot and a Greek fire-service liaison officer while a British pilot and a Greek coordinator survived.
Both helicopters were leased from Australian McDermott Aviation and had taken off from Elefsina Air Base.
Greek authorities grounded all Bell helicopters pending investigation.
Approximately 500 firefighters fought the blaze.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 Cedar Fire Bell 212 crash that killed two crew members, involved a five-person crew, and cost $1.2 million halted aerial attacks. It occurred amid other notable rotorcraft failures, such as the 2016 Bell 525 prototype crash, and the 2026 Psatha accident with two Bell 412s leased from McDermott Aviation. These incidents contributed to Greece’s decision to ground its Bell helicopters on 2 August 2026.

1 of 2

Story summary

Two Bell firefighting helicopters collided over the Psatha area west of Athens on 2 August 2026 during a wind-driven wildfire.
The crash killed a Danish pilot and a Greek fire-service liaison officer while a British pilot and a Greek coordinator survived.
Both helicopters were leased from Australian McDermott Aviation and had taken off from Elefsina Air Base.
Greek authorities grounded all Bell helicopters pending investigation.
Approximately 500 firefighters fought the blaze.

1 / 2