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Danish pilot killed in Greek helicopter crash during wildfire fight
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Danish pilot killed in Greek helicopter crash during wildfire fight

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A 46-year-old Danish pilot, Rune Kintal, died in a helicopter crash near Psatha, Greece, while fighting a wildfire.
  • Kintal, an experienced pilot with over 9,000 flight hours, was operating a recently acquired helicopter.
  • The crash occurred during firefighting operations, and the cause is under investigation.

A tragic accident claimed the life of 46-year-old Danish pilot Rune Kintal on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as two firefighting helicopters collided near Psatha, Greece. Kintal was engaged in operations to combat a large wildfire in West Attica when the fatal crash occurred.

It is a huge loss and indescribably sad that he passed away in this way.

— Tue KintalRune Kintal's brother, confirming his identity and expressing grief.

His identity was confirmed by his brother, Tue Kintal, who spoke to Danish television. Rune Kintal, originally from Godthaab in the Silkeborg region, had been living in Canada for several years. His brother described the death as a "huge loss" and "indescribably sad," emphasizing Rune's significant contribution to firefighting efforts in Greece.

I want the world to know that he made a significant contribution by participating in firefighting operations in Greece.

— Tue KintalHighlighting Rune Kintal's dedication to combating wildfires.

Kintal was a highly experienced helicopter pilot, boasting over 9,000 flight hours and more than two decades of professional experience. His brother noted his skill and popularity, stating he was an "excellent pilot and particularly beloved by everyone." Kintal had recently transitioned to aerial firefighting operations after a long career in Canada's timber industry. He had taken possession of the helicopter involved in the crash just days prior and expressed excitement about its enhanced capabilities.

He had a few more horsepower than those he was used to flying and was excited.

— Tue KintalDescribing Rune Kintal's enthusiasm for the helicopter he was piloting before the crash.

Tragically, Kintal was scheduled to travel to Denmark to see his family on Tuesday. His brother had not seen him since a holiday visit in Canada in the fall of 2025. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the relevant Greek authorities, who are examining visual evidence from the incident.

I knew before I received the phone call. As soon as my wife and I saw the images from the crash, I understood it was him.

— Tue KintalRecounting the moment he realized his brother might have been involved in the accident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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