ATSB Report Reveals Safety Failures Behind Fatal Sea World Helicopter Crash
A faulty radio antenna, weakened safety protocols, and visibility issues were key factors in the 2023 Gold Coast tragedy, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report.
- The ATSB's final report confirms that a defective radio antenna prevented critical communication, contributing to the collision of two helicopters in January 2023.
- Operational changes, including helipad reconfigurations and weakened safety protocols, created risks that were not adequately managed, the report found.
- Limited cockpit visibility and outdated ground crew advice further hindered the pilots' ability to detect each other, leading to the mid-air collision.
- Four people lost their lives, including the departing helicopter's pilot, Ashley Jenkinson, and British couple Ron and Diane Hughes, while nine others were injured.
- Legal claims against Sea World Helicopters have been filed, with compensation capped at $925,000 per claimant under aviation liability laws.
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