Key Takeaways
- A coronial inquest is being held in Brisbane to investigate the mid-air collision of two helicopters on the Gold Coast that killed four people and injured nine others.
- The pilot of one of the helicopters, Ashley Jenkinson, was found to have a "very low" concentration of cocaine metabolites in his system after the crash.
- Friends of the pilot have testified that he was a "very irregular" user of cocaine and that it was unlikely to have contributed to the crash.
- The inquest is examining whether a drug and alcohol management plan was in place and being properly managed by the operator.
- The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has found that a series of safety issues contributed to the crash, including "limited opportunities" for pilots to detect each other.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident in question occurred on January 2, 2023, when two helicopters collided mid-air over the Broadwater on the Gold Coast, resulting in the deaths of four people, including the pilot, Ashley Jenkinson, and three tourists. The crash also injured several other passengers and a second pilot. A coronial inquest is currently being held in Brisbane to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and to determine whether a drug and alcohol management plan was in place and being properly managed by the operator.
The Pilot’s Drug Use
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has revealed that Mr. Jenkinson had a "very low" concentration of cocaine metabolites in his system at the time of the crash. However, the report also stated that the drug was taken on New Year’s Eve, between 35 and 39 hours prior to the crash, and it was unlikely to have contributed to the development of the accident. Friends of the pilot, including Ross Meadows and Stephen Gill, have testified that Mr. Jenkinson was a "very irregular" user of cocaine and that it was unlikely to have affected his ability to fly the helicopter.
Testimony from Friends and Colleagues
Ross Meadows, a friend and fellow pilot, described Mr. Jenkinson as his "best mate" and told the court that he had only known him to be a social user of cocaine. Mr. Meadows attended a gathering at Mr. Jenkinson’s home on New Year’s Eve, where he witnessed him using a white substance, which he assumed was cocaine. However, he did not report the incident, saying that it was not his place to do so. Stephen Gill, another friend of Mr. Jenkinson, also testified that he had used cocaine with him on New Year’s Eve and that it was not a regular occurrence.
Investigation and Findings
The ATSB report found that a series of safety issues contributed to the crash, including "limited opportunities" for pilots to detect each other. The report also stated that Mr. Jenkinson’s psychomotor skills were unlikely to have been impaired by the drug at the time of the crash. The inquest is ongoing, with the coroner tasked with determining whether a drug and alcohol management plan was in place and being properly managed by the operator. The inquest will also examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and the actions of the pilots and other parties involved.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The inquest into the fatal Sea World helicopter crash is continuing, with further testimony and evidence to be presented. The coroner will ultimately determine the cause of the crash and make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The incident highlights the importance of robust drug and alcohol management plans and the need for pilots and operators to prioritize safety above all else. As the inquest continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the circumstances surrounding the crash and the actions of the pilots and other parties involved.