Overview
- Witnesses told the Brisbane inquest the chief pilot used multiple lines of cocaine and drank heavily at a New Year’s Eve party, with last use reported around midnight to about 3 a.m.
- The ATSB’s report found a very low level of cocaine metabolites consistent with use 35–39 hours before the collision and concluded the drug was unlikely to have contributed to the accident.
- Victoria’s chief forensic toxicologist said impairment was likely given the combined consumption of alcohol and cocaine, while an Army aviation medical officer said his assessment shifted from possible to probable impairment.
- A Queensland Health senior forensic physician cautioned that subtle impairment can escape casual observation, as the pilot signed he was fit to fly, tested negative for alcohol that day, and completed six flights before the fatal take-off.
- A staff member described safety measures such as daily fatigue questionnaires and regular safety meetings, and the court is set to hear from Sea World Helicopters executives next week after an adjournment bid was rejected.