Friends of a pilot killed in the catastrophic Sea World helicopter collision have revealed to an official inquiry that he used cocaine at a New Year's Eve party just days before the disaster.
Friends Give Evidence on Pilot's Drug Use
The long-awaited coronial inquest into one of Australia's worst recent air accidents began in Brisbane on 24 November. On Tuesday, Ross Meadows and Stephen Gill gave evidence, describing themselves as close friends of Ash Jenkinson, one of four people who died when his helicopter collided with another over the Gold Coast Broadwater on 2 January 2023.
The pair told the coroner that Jenkinson occasionally used cocaine at social events. They provided a specific account of him consuming a white substance they believed was cocaine from a toolbox at a house party on New Year's Eve 2022.
Why The Drug Use Was Not Reported
Ross Meadows, who is also a helicopter pilot, was questioned about why he never reported Jenkinson's drug use to authorities or to Sea World Helicopters. In his response, Meadows stated that at the time, it did not occur to him to do so. He added that he was "not a psychologist and felt it was not his place" to intervene.
The inquest is meticulously examining all circumstances leading up to the mid-air collision. As part of this formal inquiry, new and terrifying footage from inside the cockpit, captured by passenger Jesse Mayas as the two helicopters approached each other, has been released to the court.
Ongoing Investigation Into A National Tragedy
The coroner's investigation continues to piece together the factors that contributed to the tragic accident over the Broadwater. The revelations about the pilot's activities prior to the flight form a critical part of this complex probe.
The inquest aims to provide answers and recommendations to prevent similar disasters in the future, as the aviation community and the nation seek closure after the devastating loss of life.
