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Faulty Antenna Key Factor in Deadly Helicopter Collision at Australian Theme Park
A defective radio antenna contributed to a fatal mid-air helicopter collision near a popular Australian theme park and resort, according to transport safety investigators. The deadly Gold Coast incident, which occurred in January 2023 close to Sea World, resulted in four fatalities, including two British tourists, and multiple serious injuries.
Tragic Incident at Gold Coast Tourist Hotspot
The collision, which occurred in proximity to the renowned Sea World theme park, has cast a shadow over the Gold Coast, a premier travel destination in Australia.
Collision Details and Casualties
The two helicopters impacted approximately 20 seconds after one initiated takeoff while the other was in the process of landing. Tragically, all fatalities were passengers aboard the departing aircraft. The descending helicopter pilot executed an emergency landing, although passengers sustained various injuries.
Safety Investigation Uncovers Systemic Issues
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) inquiry revealed that a pilot did not receive a crucial radio transmission immediately before the collision. Furthermore, alterations implemented by Sea World over time diminished existing safety protocols.
Sea World Operational Changes and Risk Erosion
The ATSB report detailed that in the months preceding the accident, Sea World aimed to enhance its scenic flight offerings by establishing a second helipad and incorporating larger Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopters.
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“These modifications progressively weakened risk management measures designed to ensure safe separation of aircraft and generated a hazardous intersection for departing and arriving helicopters,” the ATSB stated.
Faulty Antenna and Missed Communication
Critical to the incident was a malfunctioning antenna on the helicopter preparing for departure.
Leading up to the collision, a radio communication from the inbound helicopter either failed to reach or was missed by the pilot of the departing aircraft, who was occupied with passenger boarding at the time.
Although ground personnel subsequently informed the departing pilot that the airspace was clear upon passenger boarding, this information became outdated by the time of takeoff.
Pilot’s Perspective and Lack of Warning
The pilot attempting to land after a brief scenic tour observed the other helicopter on the ground but did not perceive it as an immediate threat, according to the investigation report.
The pilot anticipated a “taxiing” radio call if the situation changed. However, the faulty antenna likely prevented the transmission of this vital call.
“Without receiving the taxiing notification, the inbound helicopter pilot, likely concentrating on the landing area, lacked the necessary prompt to reassess the departing helicopter as a potential collision hazard.”
Victims Identified
Among those who perished were Diane Hughes, 57, and her husband Ron Hughes, 65, from Neston, Cheshire, UK. The couple, who married in 2022, were visiting family after a period of separation due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Their family described the “fun-loving” couple as having “a zest for life” in a public statement following the tragedy.
Sydney resident Vanessa Tadros, 36, and Sea World Helicopters pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, originally from Birmingham, UK, also died in the crash.
Injuries and Aftermath
Six individuals sustained serious injuries, and an additional three received minor injuries in the accident. Passengers aboard the helicopter that successfully landed lauded the pilot as a “hero” for his actions in safely landing the damaged aircraft shortly after the collision.
ATSB Findings and Key Safety Lessons
In total, the ATSB report presented 28 findings highlighting crucial lessons for both aviation operators and pilots.
“The paramount lesson from this investigation is that modifications to aviation procedures, even those intended to enhance safety, can generate unintended adverse outcomes,” stated ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell.
“Therefore, it is essential that alterations to aviation operations are managed through a well-defined process to guarantee overall safety is not negatively impacted.”