Harrowing footage capturing the final moments before two Sea World helicopters collided, killing four people and critically injuring three others, has been presented to an Australian coroner's court.
The distressing videos, recorded from inside both aircraft and by witnesses on the ground, were played during the first day of the inquest into one of Australia's worst air disasters.
The Tragic Collision
The mid-air collision occurred on the Gold Coast in January 2023, claiming the lives of British couple Ron and Diane Hughes, Sea World Helicopter pilot Ash Jenkinson, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros.
Ms Tadros's ten-year-old son Nicholas was among three people who survived the crash but sustained critical injuries. The inquiry heard that two children were pulled from the wreckage with significant injuries.
Counsel assisting the inquest, Ian Harvey, told the court the footage led to the "inescapable conclusion" that neither pilot saw the other aircraft before the collision.
Chaotic Scene and Rescue Efforts
Police officers described arriving at a scene of chaos, with debris scattered across the sandbank and members of the public attempting to assist the injured.
One officer characterised the first helicopter as a "mangled wreck" following the impact. The collision happened less than thirty seconds after one of the helicopters had taken off for a scenic flight.
The first helicopter, piloted by Mr Jenkinson, crashed onto a sandbank and overturned, while the second aircraft, flown by Michael James, sustained major damage but managed a controlled landing on the same sandbank.
Investigation and Potential Consequences
The inquest, overseen by Coroner Carol Lee, is expected to run for several weeks and will examine the operator's training, safety procedures and communication systems.
Mr Harvey noted that both pilots were highly experienced and operating modern machines equipped with multiple safety features. "How such a situation arose will be examined in detail during these hearings," he stated.
The proceedings follow a damning Australian Transport Safety Bureau report that found the crash could have been prevented if several "risk factors" had been addressed. The report identified multiple failures, including faulty radio communication and incomplete safety systems.
Legal experts have suggested the inquest "leaves open" the possibility of criminal charges being brought once the investigation concludes.
Coroner Lee emphasised that the hearings would keep the loss of four lives at the forefront of the proceedings. The inquiry will hear evidence from survivors, safety investigators, police and staff from Sea World Helicopters over the coming weeks.
