02 January 2024 , 13:54
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The pilot who died in the SeaWorld Helicopter crash which killed two British newlyweds had possible traces of cocaine in his system, it has been revealed.
Ashley Jenkinson was killed after two SeaWorld joy flight helicopters collided in Australia on January 2 last year. Vanessa Tadros, from Sydney, and newlyweds Ron and Diane Hughes, from Neston, Cheshire, were pronounced dead after the freak accident.
Now, a year on from their deaths, a report conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was released on Tuesday. Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the findings revealed that the pilot had a "positive result for low levels of cocaine metabolites" in his system. However, the analysis concluded that it was "unlikely" that the levels of cocaine detected would have hindered his flying.
Mr Mitchell said: "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. It is unlikely there would have been impairment of the pilot's psychomotor skills."
Low levels of cocaine metabolites were found in Ashley Jenkinson's systemHe said the interim report was "substantive and comprehensive", but stressed that the ATSB is yet to give its formal findings as they continue to investigate the contributing factors that led to the devastating crash, reports Daily Mail.
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Ms Tadros' husband, Simon, said he was "definitely interested" in the ATSB report findings. He paid an emotional tribute to his wife following the anniversary of her death. He wrote on Facebook: "Today has been one year since the worst day of my life occurred, that has changed my life forever.
"Today is the day that my wife Vanessa left us and is sitting with our heavenly father up in heaven. I ask we pray not only for Vanessa but also for everyone that lost their lives in the Sea World helicopter accident and for their families as well. Vanessa will never be forgotten."
Simon Tadros and his son Nicholas lost Vanessa in the crashMr Tadros' son Nicholas was one of the nine survivors. He bravely underwent 36 surgeries and had his right leg amputated. He said: "I can't be more proud of Nicholas for his maturity levels and how he's come out the other side from this."
Jane Manns, the Gold Coast-based daughter of Mr Hughs, recalled a touching conversation she had with her dad on New Year's Eve in 2022. "Don't take life for granted, wake up every day just thankful," he told her.
"He was getting reflective on life (saying) 'I am getting older now and just wake up every morning and think, how lucky I've got another day'", she told the Courier Mail. "That's literally what he said (to me)," she said. "It's so weird looking back on that conversation."
Winnie De Silva and her son Leon survived the crashWinnie De Silva and her son Leon, 9, survived the crash. She shared the six words she said as their helicopter plummeted to the ground. "I remember praying, saying ‘God, let your will be done'", she told Today.
Her son suffered a brain injury and she wasn't sure whether it was only her who would have made it out alive. “When they said ‘Leon is OK and we’re going to get you out of here,’ I felt a breakthrough. I felt … I was given a second life,” she said.
The family of the chief pilot said they welcomed the report but hoped it didn't "tarnish" his memory. In a statement, they said: "On the anniversary of the accident, we acknowledge the ongoing pain and grief of all the other families involved. They remain in our thoughts daily."
Mr Jenkinson's family hopes the results don't tarnish his characterThey added: "We understand from the autopsy a negligible level of cocaine metabolites was found in Ashley's system. The examining forensic pathologist reported that there were 'no signs of chronic stimulant use'." Mr Jenkinson's family asked people to not become "distracted" by this one finding and highlighted that the full report found there were "multiple contributing factors to this terrible accident".
They added: "It seems clear there were multiple issues with communication infrastructure, visibility, congestion and safety protocols identified among others."
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Michael James, who was piloting the less-affected helicopter, had previously said that he "did not recall" the other pilot announcing his "intention to depart" - which is a standard "taxiing" protocol for airspace control.
Since the accident, Sea World Helicopters has introduced a new "pad boss" traffic advisory role and additional air traffic systems to its helicopters' avionic systems. Further measures that have been added include, increased communication protocols and additional steps to improve visibility. The final report is set to be released later this year.