Sea World helicopter crash: Pilot Ash Jenkinson had possible traces of cocaine in system at time of horror collision

The pilot who died in the Sea World helicopter crash had possible traces of cocaine in his system at the time of flying, a new report has revealed. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released an interim report on Tuesday on the one-year anniversary of the horror crash in which two joy flight helicopters collided mid-air on the Gold Coast. Four people died in the tragedy, including Sea World Helicopters chief pilot Ash Jenkinson, British husband and wife Ron and Diana Hughes and Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros. While investigations into the cause of the crash continue, ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said a toxicology report for Mr Jenkinson found a positive result for low levels of cocaine metabolites. However, Mr Mitchell confirmed the trace of cocaine in Mr Jenkinson’s system would not have caused the fatal collision. “A forensic pharmacologist engaged by the ATSB has stated that the very low concentrations of these metabolites suggest exposure was not likely to have occurred in the 24 hours prior to the accident, and it is unlikely there would have been impairment of the pilot’s psychomotor skills,” he said. “It is important to note while this is a substantive and comprehensive interim report, the ATSB is yet make formal findings as to the contributing factors that led to this accident, as we are continuing our analysis of that evidence.” Ms Tadros’ son Nicholas, 10, was also critically injured in the collision, his right leg amputated below the knee. Victorian tourists Winnie de Silver and her son Leon, 9, were also seriously injured. The six passengers and pilot Michael James of the other helicopter all survived with minor cuts and bruises. Mr James successfully landed safely on a sandbank in the Southport Broadwater opposite Sea World moments after the crash. Mr Mitchell said the ATSB continued to identify and examine the context and risk controls that existed at the time of the crash. “The ATSB analysis framework looks at a hierarchy of factors arranged in their relative proximity to an event, and this investigation has so far concentrated on elements closest to the event: individual actions, vehicle/equipment performance, local conditions and risk controls,” he said. This work included interviews with key personnel and witnesses, the examination of both helicopters, maintenance logs, post-mortem information, a review of industry understanding of seat belt fitment, analysis of ADS-B and radar flight tracking information, CTAF recordings, and video imagery. The final report is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2024. Mr Mitchell said the investigation would consider whether any systemic factors contributed to, or increased the risk of, the accident. “This will include consideration of the design of the operating environment and operating procedures, the onboarding and implementation of aircraft, change management, and the regulatory environment and input,” he said. “This was a tragic accident, and it is our responsibility to make findings and drive safety actions, which reduce the likelihood of a similar occurrence in the future.” Since the tragedy, Sea World Helicopters has implemented a new “pad boss” traffic advisory role, added air traffic systems to each of its helicopters’ avionic systems, increased communication protocols and taken steps to make its helicopters more visible. More to come