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7 August 2026
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Two crew killed after firefighting helicopters collide in Greece, as British pilot survives
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Two crew members have been killed after two helicopters collided mid-air in Greece while battling wildfires. The fatalities were a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer. A British pilot and another Greek co-ordinator on the second helicopter survived. Video of the incident some 65km (42 miles) west of the capital Athens shows one of the two Bell helicopters hitting the rotors of the other, which bursts into flames and crashes in a ravine. The other aircraft made an emergency landing.
According to the Greek Fire Service, the two Bell helicopters leased from Australian company McDermott Aviation collided on Sunday while taking part in efforts to tackle a large wildfire burning on the Attica-Boeotia border. The crew members of one aircraft were rescued alive, while the second crew were recovered unconscious and later pronounced dead. Following an initial correction to earlier reports, the helicopter destroyed in the collision has now been identified as Bell 214ST, registration N511EV. Local firefighters at the crash site confirmed the aircraft's identity after releasing images of the wreckage.
The accident claimed the lives of both occupants aboard N511EV. One of the victims has been identified as Danish pilot Rune Kindal. The identity of the Greek fire service interpreter who was also on board has not yet been officially released.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his "deepest sorrow" over the accident. In a post on X, he said the loss of the Greek coordinator and Danish pilot "fills us all with grief". He also sent condolences to their families.
According to protocol, all Bell helicopters across the country have been grounded, a source from the civil protection ministry told the BBC.
The source added that the second Bell helicopter involved in the collision made an emergency landing in an area of low vegetation. "The two people on board, a British pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer - escaped with minor injuries," the source said. "Both remained conscious and have been admitted to hospital, where they will remain under observation for 24 hours as a precaution."
The source also told the BBC the British survivor was a private pilot hired for the wildfire season. He was not part of any exchange between the UK and Greece and there was no request for assistance from Athens.
Meanwhile, Greece's Ekathimerini news website said the two survivors immediately reported the collision, guiding rescuers to the crash site. The names of the four crew members have not been publicly released.
John McDermott, the founder and president of McDermott Aviation, said his staff's "thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident." "McDermott Aviation is working closely with the relevant authorities and will continue to assist as they undertake their investigation into the incident," he added.
Erickson Air-Crane and Chinook helicopters, as well as Canadair water-bombing aircraft are continuing to carry out firefighting efforts.
Wildfires have broken out in Greece this week, prompting mass evacuations. Other European states have also suffered devastating blazes during prolonged heatwaves.
Early this week, France and Spain battled huge fires - two of the main ones were close to Madrid and Bordeaux respectively. Those have now been contained, though they are still burning. Some 300 000 people who were evacuated have started to return to their homes.
In Greece, media reports describe "a titanic battle" along a swathe of territory that includes Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara and Kefalonia, where more than 500 firefighters have been struggling to bring the situation under control over the past 72 hours.
Most wildfires are sparked by people, whether intentionally or accidentally, but climate change is making the conditions for them more common.
Honouring a Hero of the Skies: Remembering Rune Kindal ~ Aviation 24/7
The aviation and firefighting communities mourn the loss of Rune Kyndal, a deeply experienced and passionate 46-year-old Danish helicopter pilot who tragically lost his life in a mid-air collision while battling wildfires near Athens, Greece on 02 August 2026.
Rune’s journey in aviation was rooted in a lifelong passion. Growing up immersed in a three-generation aviation family with visits to Tirstrup Air Base and Brædstrup Airfield alongside his brothers, Rune knew from childhood that the cockpit was where he belonged. Leaving his engineering studies behind to chase the skies, he built an extraordinary global career.
From supporting logging and mining industries in Canada to flying commercial operations worldwide.
For the past 20 years, Rune dedicated himself almost exclusively to aerial firefighting. He accumulated over 9,000 flying hours.
It's a reminder of the immense courage required to step into the cockpit and face walls of flames to protect communities, homes, and nature. To every pilot, crew member, and ground personnel who puts their life on the line: we owe you our deepest respect and gratitude. Fly high, Rune. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Deepest condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the lives lost. Rest in Peace.
Sources: BBC, UK News in Pictures
According to the Greek Fire Service, the two Bell helicopters leased from Australian company McDermott Aviation collided on Sunday while taking part in efforts to tackle a large wildfire burning on the Attica-Boeotia border. The crew members of one aircraft were rescued alive, while the second crew were recovered unconscious and later pronounced dead. Following an initial correction to earlier reports, the helicopter destroyed in the collision has now been identified as Bell 214ST, registration N511EV. Local firefighters at the crash site confirmed the aircraft's identity after releasing images of the wreckage.
The accident claimed the lives of both occupants aboard N511EV. One of the victims has been identified as Danish pilot Rune Kindal. The identity of the Greek fire service interpreter who was also on board has not yet been officially released.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his "deepest sorrow" over the accident. In a post on X, he said the loss of the Greek coordinator and Danish pilot "fills us all with grief". He also sent condolences to their families.
According to protocol, all Bell helicopters across the country have been grounded, a source from the civil protection ministry told the BBC.
The source added that the second Bell helicopter involved in the collision made an emergency landing in an area of low vegetation. "The two people on board, a British pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer - escaped with minor injuries," the source said. "Both remained conscious and have been admitted to hospital, where they will remain under observation for 24 hours as a precaution."
The source also told the BBC the British survivor was a private pilot hired for the wildfire season. He was not part of any exchange between the UK and Greece and there was no request for assistance from Athens.
Meanwhile, Greece's Ekathimerini news website said the two survivors immediately reported the collision, guiding rescuers to the crash site. The names of the four crew members have not been publicly released.
John McDermott, the founder and president of McDermott Aviation, said his staff's "thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident." "McDermott Aviation is working closely with the relevant authorities and will continue to assist as they undertake their investigation into the incident," he added.
Erickson Air-Crane and Chinook helicopters, as well as Canadair water-bombing aircraft are continuing to carry out firefighting efforts.
Wildfires have broken out in Greece this week, prompting mass evacuations. Other European states have also suffered devastating blazes during prolonged heatwaves.
Early this week, France and Spain battled huge fires - two of the main ones were close to Madrid and Bordeaux respectively. Those have now been contained, though they are still burning. Some 300 000 people who were evacuated have started to return to their homes.
In Greece, media reports describe "a titanic battle" along a swathe of territory that includes Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara and Kefalonia, where more than 500 firefighters have been struggling to bring the situation under control over the past 72 hours.
Most wildfires are sparked by people, whether intentionally or accidentally, but climate change is making the conditions for them more common.
Honouring a Hero of the Skies: Remembering Rune Kindal ~ Aviation 24/7
The aviation and firefighting communities mourn the loss of Rune Kyndal, a deeply experienced and passionate 46-year-old Danish helicopter pilot who tragically lost his life in a mid-air collision while battling wildfires near Athens, Greece on 02 August 2026.
Rune’s journey in aviation was rooted in a lifelong passion. Growing up immersed in a three-generation aviation family with visits to Tirstrup Air Base and Brædstrup Airfield alongside his brothers, Rune knew from childhood that the cockpit was where he belonged. Leaving his engineering studies behind to chase the skies, he built an extraordinary global career.
From supporting logging and mining industries in Canada to flying commercial operations worldwide.
For the past 20 years, Rune dedicated himself almost exclusively to aerial firefighting. He accumulated over 9,000 flying hours.
It's a reminder of the immense courage required to step into the cockpit and face walls of flames to protect communities, homes, and nature. To every pilot, crew member, and ground personnel who puts their life on the line: we owe you our deepest respect and gratitude. Fly high, Rune. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Deepest condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the lives lost. Rest in Peace.
Sources: BBC, UK News in Pictures
