The pilot who died in the horror Sea World helicopter crash had possible traces of cocaine in his system, a report has found.
The n Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report was handed down on Tuesday – the one-year anniversary of the devastating tragedy that killed four people and injured nine others.
On January 2 last year, two Sea World joy flight choppers collided mid-air killing chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson, Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros and British newlyweds Ron and Diane Hughes.
Ms Tadros’ son Nicholas, who was in the same helicopter survived the accident but suffered critical injuries and had to have his right leg amputated.
ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said a toxicology report revealed Mr Jenkinson had ‘a positive result for low levels of cocaine metabolites’ in his system.
Chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson (pictured), who was killed in the Sea World helicopter crash, had traces of cocaine in his system, a report has found
The report handed down on the one-year anniversary of the crash (pictured) revealed the low level traces of cocaine in Mr Jenkinson’s system was ‘unlikely’ to have impaired his flying
Vanessa Tadros was killed in the crash while her son Nicholas was severely injured and had his right leg amputated (pictured, Vanessa and Nicholas with Sea World helicopter ticket)
However, his report concluded it was ‘unlikely’ the low levels of cocaine in Mr Jenkinson’s system would have impaired his flying.
‘A forensic pharmacologist engaged by the ATSB has stated that the very low concentrations of these metabolites suggest exposure was not likely to have occurred in the 24 hours prior to the accident,’ Mr Mitchell said.
‘It is unlikely there would have been impairment of the pilot’s psychomotor skills.’
Mr Micthell added while the interim report was ‘substantive and comprehensive’, the ATSB has yet to hand down its formal findings as it continues an investigation into contributing factors that led to the accident.
The ATSB has interviewed key personnel and witnesses, examined both helicopters, maintenance logs and gathered post-mortem information.
It has also reviewed industry understanding of seat belt fitment, analysis of ADS-B and radar flight tracking information. CTAF recordings and video imagery.
Mr Mitchell added the next steps in the ABTS investigation will be to focus on if any systemic factors contributed to, or increased, the risk of the accident – with the final report expected later this year.
‘This was a tragic accident, and it is our responsibility to make findings and drive safety actions, which reduce the likelihood of a similar occurrence in the future,’ Mr Mitchell said.
ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell interm report concluded the low-level traces of cocaine in Mr Jenkinson’s (pictured) system was ‘unlikely’ to have impaired his flying skills
Simon Tadros (pictured with wife Vanessa and their son Nicholas) shared a touching tribute to his wife on the anniversary of the crash and said he felt somebody need to be held accountable
Ms Tadros’ husband, Simon told 2GB host Luke Grant on Monday he was ‘definitely interested’ in the ATBS report findings.
Mr Tadros, who watched from the ground as the helicopter his wife and son were in crashed mid-air, said he felt someone has to be held accountable for the accident.
‘I want answers,’ Mr Tadros said. ‘Someone has to be held accountable for it. I know it was an accident but something like this should not happen in such a high-risk job.’
‘I am letting the ATSB run its course and do what it has to do. But at the end of the day, somebody will be held accountable for it regardless of who it is.
‘This shouldn’t have happened and I pray to God that it never happens to anybody because what Nicholas and I and other families have gone through has been a nightmare.’
Mr Tadros said his faith in God and the support from people around has helped him and his son get through the year.
While things will never be the same again for the pair, Mr Tadros said they vow to be as positive as they can.
Mr Tadros shared a touching tribute to his wife on Tuesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the crash.
‘Today has been one year since the worst day of my life occurred, that has changed my life forever,’ Mr Tadros wrote on Facebook.
‘Today is the day that my wife Vanessa left us and is sitting with our heavenly father up in heaven.
‘Vanessa was the most beautiful soul a person could have. Her heart was always filled with love and compassion for everyone.
‘I ask that everyone today remember all the good times and the laughs that they shared with Vanessa.
‘I ask we pray not only for Vanessa but also for everyone that lost their lives in the Sea World helicopter accident and for their families as well. Vanessa will never be forgotten.’
On January 2, 2023, two Sea World joy ride helicopters collided mid-air killing four people and injuring seven others
Mr Tadros’ son Nicholas was one of the nine survivors and has undergone 36 surgeries including having his right leg amputated.
He added the ordeal has been ‘very mentally draining’ but was proud of his son who has learned to walk again despite continuing health complications.
‘I can’t be more proud of Nicholas for his maturity levels and how he’s come out the other side from this,’ Mr Tadros wrote.
‘He has had his moments, and I’ll let him have those moments because it’s not easy, but what we’ve always said is we’re not going to sit down and cry ourselves a river.
‘It’s not going to change anything. We just have to somehow get up, face it, get on with it. That’s what we’re doing.’
The seven occupants in the other helicopter all survived the crash pilot Michael James was able to land safely opposite Sea World on a sandbank in the Southport Broadwater.