The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) revealed in an interim report that Ashley Jenkinson, the pilot killed in the Sea World Helicopter crash on the Gold Coast last year, had low levels of cocaine in his system. This disclosure comes on the first anniversary of the tragic incident that also claimed the lives of three others.
An autopsy of the deceased pilot found no evidence of significant disease but a toxicology report showed a positive result for traces of cocaine.
According to the ATSB, the long-time pilot likely ingested cocaine, along with a typical cutting agent, levamisole, in the days preceding the crash.
Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell, however, noted that the very low concentrations of these metabolites suggest the pilot’s exposure to cocaine was not likely within 24 hours of the accident. Consequently, it is believed that the pilot’s ability to fly was not impaired by the drug on the day of the crash.
The forensic pharmacologist's assessment suggests that the cocaine use occurred sometime within four days of the crash. Although direct impairment due to the drug on the day of the incident is unlikely, the report acknowledges uncertainties regarding the possible post-cocaine exposure effects, such as fatigue, depression, and inattention, on the pilot's performance.
“A forensic pharmacologist engaged by the ATSB has stated that the very low concentrations of these metabolites suggest exposure was not likely to have occurred in the 24 hours prior to the accident, and it is unlikely there would have been impairment of the pilot’s psychomotor skills,” Mitchell said.
Jenkinson, who was also a firefighter, served as the line pilot for Sea World Helicopters and was responsible for the company’s drug and alcohol management plan. In the month leading up to the crash, he logged 47.7 flight hours.
The mid-air collision, which occurred on a clear and sunny day, involved Jenkinson’s helicopter taking off for a 10-minute tour with six passengers and colliding with another helicopter during its ascent. The impact led to the helicopter crashing onto a sandbar in the Broadwater, witnessed by families on the beach.
The ongoing ATSB investigation, with a 'no blame' approach, is examining systemic factors that might have contributed to the accident, including the design of operating environments, procedures, aircraft onboarding, change management, and regulatory aspects.
In response to the crash, Sea World Helicopters, which is a separate business to the theme park, has implemented new safety measures, such as introducing a 'Pad Boss' traffic advisory role, enhancing communication protocols, and improving aircraft visibility.
The final ATSB report, due later this year, is expected to provide comprehensive insights and recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.
