An official inquest into a devastating mid-air collision between two helicopters has been presented with harrowing video evidence, revealing the final moments before the fatal impact.
The Tragic Collision
The incident occurred in January 2023, during the peak of the busy summer holiday season. Four people lost their lives when two Sea World-branded tourist helicopters collided in the airspace above the Gold Coast's Broadwater.
Video footage, now being examined by the coroner, was captured from inside one of the aircraft. It shows a passenger apparently attempting to alert the pilot to a potential danger mere moments before the disaster unfolded.
Seconds to Impact
The sequence of events was tragically brief. The helicopter had been airborne for a mere 25 seconds when the collision happened. At the time of the impact, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of just under 40 metres.
This visual evidence provides a critical, and deeply unsettling, timeline for investigators and the families seeking answers to the central, haunting question: how could such a tragedy happen?
Seeking Answers and Ensuring Safety
The inquest continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The presentation of this footage is a pivotal step in understanding the chain of events that led to the loss of life.
The findings are expected to have significant implications for air transport safety regulations and operational procedures for scenic flights, particularly in busy tourist destinations like the Gold Coast.
