Key Takeaways
- A coronial inquiry is examining the 2023 Sea World Helicopters collision that killed four people, including the chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson.
- Jenkinson’s executive assistant, Thalia Ellem, testified that he took safety seriously and went "above and beyond" in his work.
- The company had implemented a daily fatigue management questionnaire for staff before their shifts, which included questions about their well-being and fitness to work.
- The inquest heard that Jenkinson and fellow pilot Michael James had regular safety meetings with management, and that the company took steps to manage fatigue and ensure staff were fit to work.
- The inquest is ongoing, with executives from Sea World Helicopters due to give evidence later in the proceedings.
Introduction to the Coronal Inquiry
A coronial inquiry is currently underway to examine the circumstances surrounding the 2023 Sea World Helicopters collision that resulted in the deaths of four people, including chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson. The inquiry has heard testimony from Thalia Ellem, Jenkinson’s executive assistant, who described him as a dedicated and safety-conscious manager. Ellem broke down in court as she spoke about Jenkinson, describing him as "one of the best managers" she had ever had. She praised his friendly and approachable nature, saying that he always checked on staff and ensured they had what they needed to do their jobs.
Testimony from Thalia Ellem
Ellem’s testimony provided valuable insights into Jenkinson’s management style and his commitment to safety. She told the court that Jenkinson always went "above and beyond" to get everything done and was clear in his messaging about safety. The court heard that Jenkinson and fellow pilot Michael James had regular safety meetings with management, and that the company had implemented a daily fatigue management questionnaire for staff. This questionnaire required staff to confirm that they were feeling well and fit to work before starting their shifts. If they answered no to any question, they would have to speak to Ellem or Jenkinson, who would decide on the course of action on a case-by-case basis.
Safety Measures in Place
The inquest heard that the company took steps to manage fatigue and ensure that staff were fit to work. For example, if a staff member reported feeling unwell or tired, they might be sent home or have their duties limited. Ellem gave several examples of this, including an instance where a part-time pilot was sent home after describing flu-like symptoms. Another instance involved monitoring Michael James throughout the day after he reported not getting enough sleep the night before. Jenkinson himself stood down from flying on one occasion after answering no to feeling "well and rested", and instead carried out office duties.
The Day of the Crash
Ellem also testified about her interactions with Jenkinson on the day of the crash. She had lunch with him, where they discussed a customer booking, and he seemed "a bit distracted". However, Ellem did not think that he appeared tired. Another staff member who had lunch with Jenkinson that day also reported that there was nothing out of the ordinary about the interaction. The inquest is ongoing, with executives from Sea World Helicopters due to give evidence later in the proceedings.
Inquest Proceedings
The inquest has not been without its challenges, with lawyers for Sea World Helicopters applying to have the inquest partially adjourned to next year. They argued that it would be procedurally unfair not to be given time to review significant amounts of material submitted. However, Coroner Carol Lee refused the application, telling the court that the company had "been on notice" since April this year. She allowed for the two executives and several other witnesses to be moved into next week, and the inquest is due to continue on Tuesday.
Conclusion
The coronial inquiry into the 2023 Sea World Helicopters collision is ongoing, with the court hearing testimony from staff members and executives. The inquiry has highlighted the importance of safety in the aviation industry and the need for companies to take steps to manage fatigue and ensure that staff are fit to work. The inquest is due to continue, and it is likely that further evidence will be heard in the coming days. As the inquiry progresses, it is hoped that it will provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the collision and identify any steps that can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
