A helicopter pilot, who was tragically involved in one of Australia’s deadliest air accidents, was reportedly seen using cocaine a day before the crash, according to testimony at a coroner’s inquest.
Ashley Jenkinson, 40, tragically lost his life when the Sea World helicopter he was piloting collided mid-air with another aircraft near the Gold Coast theme park on January 2, 2023. The incident claimed four lives in total.
During the inquest, two witnesses recounted seeing Jenkinson inhale a white powder, believed to be cocaine, during a New Year’s Eve celebration in 2022.
A friend of Jenkinson, who witnessed the incident, testified that he did not feel it was his responsibility to report the pilot to aviation authorities or confront him about his alleged drug use.
“He was his own person. I’m not responsible,” the friend stated during the proceedings.
Alongside Jenkinson, the crash claimed the lives of British newlyweds Ronald and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 67, and Vanessa Tadros, a 36-year-old mother from Sydney.
Under cross-examination from Tadros family barrister Gerard Mullins KC, Meadows said he knew cocaine and flying did not mix.
“An important part of a helicopter organisation targeting tourists is to promote themselves as a safe operator? Did it not occur to you to let them know of this illegal cocaine use?” Mullins said.
Vanessa Tadros’ son Nicholas was aged just 10 when he lost his leg in the crash.
He attended the inquest on Tuesday with his father, Simon Tadros.
Meadows’ company had provided social media marketing for Sea World Helicopters, Lee heard.
Sea World owner Village Roadshow Theme Parks sold its joy flights operation to Sea World Helicopters in 2019.
The inquest is due to hear from Sea World Helicopters executives next week.
