Horrifying Footage Reveals Final Moments Before Fatal Helicopter Collision
Chilling video evidence presented at an Australian inquest has revealed the sequence of events that led to two helicopters crashing into each other over the Gold Coast, claiming the lives of four people including a British couple. The disturbing footage, captured from multiple angles including inside both aircraft and from ground witnesses, was shown as proceedings began examining the tragic 2023 incident.
British Couple's Holiday of a Lifetime Ends in Tragedy
Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57 from Merseyside, were among the victims killed in the mid-air collision that unfolded in front of hundreds of horrified tourists. The couple had been enjoying what family described as a "holiday of a lifetime," visiting Mr Hughes' daughter Jane Manns and his grandchildren when tragedy struck.
Also killed in the crash were pilot Ash Jenkinson and Australian national Vanessa Tadros. The incident ranks among Australia's worst air disasters. Ms Tadros's ten-year-old son Nicholas was one of three people who survived but sustained critical injuries.
Investigation Uncovers Multiple System Failures
Counsel assisting the inquest, Ian Harvey, told the court the videos provided what he called the "inescapable conclusion" that neither pilot saw the other before the collision. Both pilots were described as highly experienced professionals operating modern machines equipped with multiple safety features.
The coroner's investigation, overseen by Coroner Carol Lee, is expected to run for several weeks and will examine the operator's training, safety procedures and communication systems in detail. The hearing follows a damning report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau earlier this year that found the crash could have been prevented if several "risk factors" had been addressed.
The investigation has already identified multiple failures including:
- Faulty radio communication systems
- Incomplete safety procedures
- Potential overcrowding in airspace
Chaotic Scene and Heroic Rescue Efforts
The collision occurred less than thirty seconds after one of the helicopters lifted off for a scenic flight. The first helicopter, flown by Mr Jenkinson, crashed onto a sandbank and overturned, while the second aircraft, piloted by Michael James, sustained major damage but managed a controlled landing on the same sandbank.
Police officers described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the sand and members of the public rushing to help the injured. One officer recalled arriving to find the first helicopter as a "mangled wreck." Two children, including Ms Tadros's son, were pulled from the wreckage with significant injuries.
Peter Carter of Carter Capner Law stated that the inquest "leaves open" the prospect of criminal charges, emphasizing the importance of affected families receiving answers about why multiple aircraft were operating in contested space and why faulty radio equipment was being used.
The inquiry will continue for three weeks, hearing evidence from survivors, Air Transport Safety Bureau investigators, police and staff from Sea World Helicopters. Coroner Lee has committed to keeping the loss of four lives at the forefront of the proceedings throughout the hearings.
