Overview

• Four people died and nine were injured in the January 2023 collision between two Sea World Helicopters over the Gold Coast Broadwater.
• A pre-inquest conference outlined 11 key issues to be examined, including safety management systems, pilot training, and radio equipment defects.
• The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report identified flawed safety protocols, visibility issues, and failed radio transmissions as contributing factors.
• Pilot Ashley Jenkinson's cocaine use prior to the crash will also be scrutinized, though the ATSB concluded it likely did not directly impair his performance on the day.
• Coroner Carol Lee indicated the inquest will begin by November 2025, with a focus on determining whether Sea World Helicopters addressed safety risks appropriately.