Key Takeaways
- A coroner’s inquest has heard that a helicopter pilot involved in a fatal crash in Australia was seen taking cocaine at a party a day before the accident.
- Two witnesses testified that they saw the pilot, Ashley Jenkinson, inhale a white substance they assumed was cocaine at a New Year’s Eve party.
- Jenkinson was among four people who died in the crash, which occurred when his helicopter collided with another helicopter outside a theme park on January 2, 2023.
- The coroner’s inquest is ongoing and is expected to hear from Sea World Helicopters executives next week.
Introduction to the Incident
A helicopter pilot involved in one of Australia’s worst air disasters was seen taking cocaine at a party a day before the fatal crash, a coroner has heard. Ashley Jenkinson, 40, was among four people who died when his Sea World chopper collided midair with another helicopter outside the Gold Coast theme park on January 2, 2023. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of helicopter operations and the potential risks associated with substance abuse among pilots.
Witness Testimony
Two people told an inquest into the tragedy that they saw the pilot inhale a white substance they assumed was cocaine at a 2022 New Year’s Eve party. Stephen Gill, an industrial oil salesman, said Jenkinson used cocaine numerous times a year and may have taken it in the early hours of January 1, a day before the fatal crash. Gill testified that he entered a shed at the party about 8pm and saw a "white powder substance" on a toolbox. He saw the pilot last use cocaine at midnight on January 1 and could have taken it at 3am, coroner Carol Lee heard. Another witness, Ross Meadows, a digital marketing company director, testified that he had been "best mates" with Jenkinson and saw the pilot inhaling a white substance in the shed about 9pm at the 2022 party.
Pilot’s Substance Abuse
The pilot’s substance abuse has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with flying under the influence. Jenkinson tested positive to cocaine during an autopsy, Ms Lee previously heard. However, a previous Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation found that he was "unlikely to have been directly affected by the drug at the time of the accident". Despite this, the fact that the pilot was using cocaine in the days leading up to the crash has raised questions about the potential risks associated with substance abuse among pilots. Meadows said he had been taught by Jenkinson how to fly helicopters, describing him as a "phenomenal pilot". However, he did not think to report his mate to aviation authorities and did not speak to him about cocaine use.
Investigation and Aftermath
The inquest is ongoing and is expected to hear from Sea World Helicopters executives next week. The crash resulted in the deaths of four people, including Jenkinson, British newlyweds Ronald and Diane Hughes, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros. Vanessa Tadros’ son, Nicholas, was aged 10 when he lost his leg in the crash and attended the inquest on Tuesday with his father Simon Tadros. The incident has had a significant impact on the families of the victims, who are seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the crash. Under cross-examination from Tadros family barrister, Gerard Mullins KC, Meadows said he knew cocaine and flying did not mix. However, he did not report his concerns to aviation authorities, which has raised questions about the potential failures in the system that allowed the pilot to continue flying despite his substance abuse.
Safety Concerns and Future Implications
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of helicopter operations and the potential risks associated with substance abuse among pilots. The inquest is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify potential safety improvements that can be made to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fact that the pilot was using cocaine in the days leading up to the crash has raised questions about the potential risks associated with substance abuse among pilots and the need for stricter safety protocols to be put in place. The incident has also highlighted the importance of reporting concerns about substance abuse among pilots and the need for aviation authorities to take swift action to address these concerns. The outcome of the inquest is expected to have significant implications for the aviation industry and the safety of helicopter operations in Australia.