Dwell
An skilled pilot and three members of 1 household died and a baby is in a important situation after a helicopter crashed following a mid-air collision with one other helicopter on the Gold Coast.
Pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, a British husband and spouse, 65 and 57, and a 36-year-old NSW lady associated to the couple have been confirmed because the 4 victims killed when their chopper fell heavily into a sandbank after colliding with another helicopter close to the Sea World theme park, about 2pm on Monday.
The NSW lady’s 10-year-old son is in a important situation in hospital, whereas a 33-year-old lady and a nine-year-old lady associated to her are additionally being handled for critical accidents.
The second helicopter’s windscreen was shattered however the pilot managed to land it on the sand bar with 5 of the six folks aboard struggling glass shrapnel wounds.
The passengers on that helicopter included a 27-year-old Western Australian lady and two households from New Zealand who had been touring collectively, a 44-year-old man and a 43-year-old lady from one household, and a 48-year-old previous man and 45-year-old lady from the opposite, police mentioned.
Mr Jenkinson, a father who had instructed numerous novice pilots, has been remembered as a “great mate” and “an absolute legend”.
Andy Taylor recalled the bond forged when the pair assisted victims of flooding in northern NSW in 2022.
“Today we lost one of the biggest legends, Ash Jenkinson, you were a gentleman!!” he said.
Colleague Penny Wilson said Mr Jenkinson had “such a golden heart, cheeky sense of humor and always such a laugh to be around”.
“An amazing pilot. Always so kind, helpful, and supportive. A true gentleman, and always willing to lend a hand,” former colleague Lucy Kuhn said.
Mr Jenkinson reportedly leaves behind a young son, who turned one in September.
Two British residents had been additionally among the many 4 folks killed within the helicopter Mr Jenkinson had been piloting.
“We’re supporting the household of two British nationals who died in Australia and are in touch with the native authorities,” a UK international workplace spokesperson mentioned.
Australian Transport Security Bureau investigators are probing the crash and have rescued each helicopters from the sand bar.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell mentioned it seems that the principle rotor of Mr Jenkinson’s plane, which was taking off, hit the second helicopter’s cockpit because it got here in to land.
“Now, precisely whether or not that was the very first level of influence – we’re but to find out,” he mentioned on Tuesday.
“However that in itself has led to the principle rotor within the gearbox separating from the principle [Mr Jenkinson’s] helicopter, which then had no carry and has fallen closely to the bottom.”
Mr Mitchell mentioned it was “exceptional” the second pilot had managed to land within the circumstances and the scenario might have been far worse in any other case.
“The presence of thoughts to have the ability to land that helicopter, significantly contemplating the injury that we all know has occurred on that entrance left-hand seat of the helicopter, it does seem to have been a exceptional job to have gotten it down,” he mentioned.
Police described Monday’s accident scene as “very, very confronting”, and praised those that responded within the minutes afterwards, together with the general public.
“Proper on the very starting when the incident first occurred, we had personal vessels taking folks throughout to the island to supply assist to the victims,” ​​Gold Coast District Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon mentioned.
“They did their best with CPR till then emergency providers obtained there. Sadly, although, we did have these 4 that had been deceased however three had been labored on considerably on the scene, till they had been transported later within the ambulance.”
Amongst those that supplied emergency assist had been reportedly the pilot of the second chopper. He was additionally among the many injured transported to hospital, the place he remained on Tuesday.
Each helicopters have since been faraway from the sandbank. Essential proof referring to the investigation was recovered because the tide rose late on Monday.
A preliminary report into the tragedy is anticipated inside eight weeks.
“We and your complete flying group are devastated by what has occurred and our honest condolences go to all these concerned and particularly the family members and household of the deceased,” a spokesperson for Sea World Helicopters mentioned.
Village Roadshow Theme Parks provided its condolences to folks affected by the crash, with dozens of company at Sea World witnessing it.
“Whereas Sea World Helicopters is an impartial skilled operator, VRTP is working with emergency providers and the authorities to supply each attainable help,” the corporate mentioned in a press release.
“We’re offering assist to our crew members who’ve been emotionally affected by the tragedy.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk provided her condolences to all concerned.
“My deepest sympathies are with every of the households and everybody affected by this horrible accident,” she tweeted.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned Australia was shocked by the tragic incident on the Gold Coast.
“My ideas are with all these affected, together with first responders, and my deepest sympathies are with those that are grieving,” he tweeted.
The Gold Coast council has arrange an space for folks to go away flowers for victims, which was witnessed by a whole bunch of individuals.
– with AAP
