Sea World Helicopters back in business after fatal mid-air crash

The company at the centre of a tragic mid-air helicopter has resumed joy flights at the Sea World theme park.

The graphic aftermath of a mid-air helicopter crash near the Sea World theme park on January 2. Picture: Scott Powick

The company at the centre of January’s tragic mid-air helicopter collision is again operating joy flights at the Sea World theme park on the Gold Coast.

Sea World Helicopters issued a brief statement on Tuesday announcing the resumption of operations from the Sea World Park helipad.

It’s understood a number of bookings had been taken for the short flights over the park and surrounds.

Four people were killed when two helicopters collided mid-air on January 2. Another nine people were injured, three of them critically, including two children.

The resumption of services followed assessment and approval by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority “some weeks ago”.

Sea World Helicopters’ director John Orr-Campbell said it was an emotional occasion for all of those on staff.

“In many ways today is a difficult day for all of us as we pay our deepest respect to (crash victims) Vanessa Tadros, Diane and Ron Hughes, our friend and late chief pilot Ash Jenkinson, their families and those who suffered physically and mentally in the accident,” Mr Orr-Campbell said.

“I know Ash would have wanted to have been flying with us today. Helicopter flying is what we do and our staff wanted to get back to work and continue to provide the service to those who want to fly with us.”

Only one helicopter, a Squirrel was operating the joy flights, after two Eurocopters were destroyed in the crash.

A preliminary report on the tragedy by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found the helicopter coming into land had not heard from the pilot of the helicopter taking off.

ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said their final report would look more broadly beyond the issues of radio calls and visibility.

“The ATSB will also consider the operator’s procedures and practices for operating scenic flights in the Sea World area and the process for implementing the recently-acquired EC130 helicopters into operation, and will review the regulatory surveillance of the operator and similar operators,” said Mr Mitchell.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority confirmed Sea World Helicopters had been given approval to resume operations after replacing the late Mr Jenkinson.

Originally published as Sea World Helicopters back in business after fatal mid-air crash