Sea World Helicopter disaster: Aviation expert’s praise for pilot Michael James’s miraculous landing after January 2023 collision

A leading aviation expert has described pilot Michael James’ miraculous landing of the crippled Sea World Helicopter as among the greatest feats of flying that he’s ever witnessed.

A leading aviation expert has described pilot Michael James’ miraculous landing of his crippled Sea World Helicopter as among the greatest feats of flying he’s ever witnessed.

Geoffrey Thomas has more than 45 years aviation industry experience and carefully analysed the results of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB) investigations into the January 2023 collision which killed four people and injured nine others.

The heavily damaged helicopter Mr James successfully landed. Picture Scott Powick

Pilot Ash Jenkinson was at the controls of a Sea World Helicopters craft which hit another Sea World Helicopter, piloted by Michael James, as Mr James coming in to land.

Pilot Michael James and passengers in the seconds before the collision. Picture: 7News Brisbane.

The main rotor of Mr Jenkinson’s helicopter hit the front of Mr James’ fuselage, shattering the canopy and showering Mr James’ and his passengers in glass.

Mr James, against all odds, was able to successfully land his Airbus Eurocopter, saving the lives of his passengers.

Mr Thomas said Mr James’ actions on January 2, 2023 saved the lives of his passengers.

“I think that was one of the best pieces of airmanship I have ever seen,” he said.

“I’m sure there was a tad of luck in there, but the skill in it was enormous.

“The whole canopy is smashed in and damaged, the shock of it all, then to maintain your composure and to bring it down safely, was an amazing bit of airmanship, and he saved a bunch of lives, end of story.

“That’s all there is to it. Outstanding.”

Mr Jenkinson’s rotor sheared off in the collision, causing Mr Jenkinson’s crippled helicopter to plummet to the ground.

Mr Jenkinson and passengers Vanessa Tadros, Ron and Diane Hughes were all killed.

Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas

Investigators have interviewed the survivors, as well as more than 80 witnesses, including first responders.

The ATSB’s initial report, which was released in March, found evidence the pilots may have been ‘flying blind” and that there had been no communication with each other in the lead-up to the tragedy.

Mr James at the scene. Picture Glenn Hampson

The ATSB report is expected to hand down its completed findings in mid-2024 ahead of a coronial inquest.

Mr Thomas said the full details of the collision and what led to it may never be fully known, with the ATSB’s preliminary report giving little insight into why this tragedy happened”.

He said changes to operators and procedures were needed but warned against making it impossible for joy flights to continue.

“You’ve got two highly skilled pilots, two very good helicopters and an organisation with up until now, an excellent safety record, in fact an almost flawless safety record.

“Unfortunately, I really am concerned that it may be an inconclusive report and the only thing to come out of it will be tightening of safety procedures, which is always a good thing, as long as it doesn’t strangle the operation and make it impossible.

“(When it comes to flying) there’s always a risk but let’s eliminate every single part of that risk that we possibly can.”