Bell 214ST crash near Psatha, Greece

Two Bell 214ST helicopters leased from Australian company McDermott Aviation collided mid-air during firefighting operations over the Psatha area west of Athens, as wildfires raged across the Attica region destroying over 100 homes. This aircraft exploded on impact and crashed to the ground. Both crew members were killed: a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service coordinator. The helicopters had taken off from Elefsina military airbase and were operating in formation during aerial water-bombing runs. The collision occurred amid gale-force winds that were driving flames through dry forest and preventing some aircraft from reaching the sea to collect water. The fire began near Agios Vasileios before sweeping toward Porto Germeno.