Tragic Gold Coast crash: Pilot seen taking cocaine and drinking heavily days before take-off
The pilot had been seen taking cocaine at a party two days before the tragic crash which claimed the lives of four people, an inquest heard.
The pilot involved in a fatal helicopter crash which claimed the lives of a UK couple was likely affected by cocaine withdrawal and an alcohol hangover, an inquest has revealed.
Diane, 57, and Ron Hughes, 65, tragically died when two helicopters crashed mid-air on Australia’s Gold Coast on January 2, 2023. The couple, from Neston, Wirral, were visiting relatives when the incident took place.
One of the helicopters was able to land safely on a sandbank, with five of its six passengers suffering minor injuries. However, the second helicopter crashed and four individuals on board died, while three others were critically injured.
Among those who died in the horrific crash were Diane and Ron Hughes, Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36, and Sea World pilot Ashley Jenkinson.
The inquest into the incident continued in Brisbane on December 2, reported the Australian Associated Press. Coroner Carol Lee was told that Mr Jenkinson had tested positive for cocaine during a post-mortem exam.
At a New Year’s Eve celebration two days before the crash, the pilot had been seen taking cocaine and consuming 12 beers and whiskey, the Liverpool Echo reported.
However, an investigation carried out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau determined he was "unlikely to have been directly affected by the drug at the time of the accident".
Victoria’s chief forensic toxicologist, Dr. Dimitri Gerostamoulos said: "I can’t come to the conclusion that he was impaired or not. It is likely given the consumption of alcohol and cocaine within that period."
On the morning of the crash, Mr Jenkinson recorded a negative result for alcohol before starting work. The coroner was told that he had completed six passenger joy flights and had lunch with colleagues before his final take-off just before 2 pm.
Technology & Business Editor
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