New review under way into airspace where two Sea World helicopters collided

Uncontrolled airspace where two Sea World helicopters collided in January is being reviewed by the aviation safety regulator.

The devastating aftermath of the January 2 Sea World Helicopters crash, that claimed the lives of four people.

The aviation safety regulator will review the airspace in which two helicopters collided at Sea World on the Gold Coast, killing four people.

The crash on January 2 occurred in front of hundreds of theme park goers, as one helicopter took off on a short joy flight, and another was descending to land.

Sea World Helicopters suspended operations after the tragedy, but has since resumed after receiving the all clear from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

The airspace in question at Southport is categorised as uncontrolled or Class G, meaning it is not under the direction of air traffic controllers.

As a result, pilots have to rely on sight and radio communications to avoid other aircraft.

CASA said it was seeking direct feedback from pilots and operators with regards to the airspace review, which was separate from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation.

Although an “initial review” had not indicated any safety issues relating to the airspace arrangements, CASA wanted further input from those who flew in that airspace.

“While there’s no indication at this stage that airspace design played a part in this devastating

accident, we want to make sure we’ve given all pilots and airspace users the opportunity to provide their views on airspace arrangements,” CASA branch manager of air navigation, airspace and aerodromes, Adrian Slootjes, said.

Vanessa Tadros, the Sydney mother who lost her life in the Sea World helicopter crash.

“The first stage of this work involves collecting data to inform a formal airspace review.”

He said CASA would analyse aircraft operations, aircraft landing areas, helicopter landing sites and the surrounding airspace, as part of the review.

“We want all pilots and operators that fly in this area to let us know about their experiences,” Mr Slootjes said.

“We were greatly saddened by this tragedy and our condolences go to the families of all those

involved.”

A spokesman for Sea World Helicopters said the company “had been and would continue to cooperate with CASA to assist in any way possible with its airspace review”.

Sea World Helicopters’ chief pilot Ash Jenkinson died in the mid-air collision along with passengers Vanessa Tadros of Sydney and British newlyweds Diane and Ron Hughes.

Several others were injured, including mother and son Winnie and Leon de Silva, and 10-year-old Nicholas Tadros, who ultimately lost the lower part of his right leg.

A preliminary report released by the ATSB on March 7 said the helicopters were operating to and from separate helipads, about 220m apart.

The report said the pilot of the incoming helicopter did not hear a radio call from the departing helicopter and did not see it take off.

Passengers on board the helicopter preparing to land alerted the pilot to the approaching aircraft but it was too late to avoid a collision at about 40m above the ground.

The ascending helicopter broke apart and crashed into shallow water, while the descending chopper managed to land nearby.

Mr Slootjes said CASA was continuing to co-operate with the ATSB as its investigation unfolded.

“Should any new or additional information become available through that investigation we will take immediate action and consider it alongside our own work,” he said.

CASA recently approved a head of flying operations for Sea World Helicopters to allow the business, which is separate from the theme park, to return to the air.