An investigative report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) into the tragic midair collision of two helicopters at Sea World has revealed significant contributing factors that led to the accident, which claimed four lives and left six others seriously injured on January 1, 2023.
Key issues outlined in the report include failed antennas on the helicopters and improperly secured seatbelts for passengers, both of which played crucial roles in the incident. Visibility challenges arose from the cockpit design, preventing the pilots from detecting each other, thereby exacerbating the risk of collision.
The ATSB identified a “clear collision zone” created by both helicopters using the same landing pad, where simultaneous departures and arrivals could result in disastrous outcomes. Communications failure further complicated matters, as an inbound call from the arriving helicopter failed to reach the pilot of the departing helicopter, who was in the process of loading passengers.
Despite a ground crew member informing the departing pilot about the inbound helicopter, the warning arrived too late, with ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stating that the update was outdated by the time the helicopter took off.
Moreover, restrictions on helicopter movement at the park, along with the relative positions of the aircraft, limited the departing pilot’s ability to see the approaching helicopter. Although the pilot of the incoming helicopter spotted the departing craft, he did not perceive it as a threat due to an expectation of a taxiing call that was never made—largely attributed to problems with the helicopter’s radio antenna.
The report also highlighted that the electronic systems typically used by pilots to track other aircraft had failed, further complicating situational awareness. Additionally, it was found that passengers had not been adequately secured with seatbelts prior to the collision, which could have mitigated injuries.
In light of these findings, Shine Lawyers have initiated legal claims in the Supreme Court on behalf of the crash survivors, asserting that the tragic event could have been avoided had proper safety protocols been followed. The findings of the ATSB serve as a cautionary tale about the necessity of rigorous safety measures and effective communication in aviation.