Coordination gap probed in deadly firefighting helicopter crash
A possible failure in the coordination of aerial firefighting operations is being investigated following the August 2 collision of two Augusta Bell helicopters that killed two people.
According to information from fire and police authorities, the Fire Service officer coordinating aircraft in the Psatha area reportedly left the sector about 15 minutes before the crash to respond to a dangerous flare-up elsewhere on the fire front.
A senior Fire Service officer said an official aboard the service’s coordination helicopter was responsible for directing aerial operations, as required.
“He makes the decisions,” the officer said.
Coordination questioned
The coordination helicopter was reportedly operating near Vilia, on another part of the fire front, meaning its crew could not maintain visual contact with the operation at Psatha.
The issue has also emerged in testimony from the crew of the second helicopter involved in the collision.
The crew told homicide investigators that they received an instruction from “the flame,” the code name for the aerial coordinator, to make a water drop immediately after the helicopter ahead of them moved away.
They said they were neither informed of nor able to see a third helicopter in the area. The crew initially believed they had struck cables.
The collision occurred while crews were battling a wildfire that started in Viotia and eventually spread into western Attica, burning about 11,000 hectares.
Investigation under way
The crash killed Danish pilot Rune Kyndal and Greek liaison-translator Aristotelis Damigos.
Following a prosecutor’s order, the homicide department is investigating the circumstances of the crash. Three experts have been appointed to examine radio communications, video footage of the collision and the wreckage.
The families of both victims have also taken legal action against any individuals whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the deaths.
A Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry official, however, stressed that helicopter crews are responsible for visually checking their surroundings and ensuring that other aircraft are clear before carrying out operations.
The investigation is expected to determine whether failures in communication and coordination, alongside the crews’ own visual checks, contributed to the fatal collision.
Source:Kathimerini
