ATSB Report Reveals Critical Flaws Behind Deadly 2023 Sea World Helicopter Crash
A series of serious safety shortcomings by tourism operator Sea World Helicopters contributed to the devastating Gold Coast helicopter crash that killed four people, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). In its final report into the January 2, 2023 crash, the ATSB found that changes Sea World Helicopters made to its location, facilities, and fleet—intended to enhance its services—had unintended and dangerous consequences. One major flaw identified was in the system designed to alert pilots to the presence of nearby helicopters. The report revealed that the system failed, leading to a tragic miscommunication: neither pilot had an accurate understanding of the other’s position. On that clear and sunny afternoon, 11 tourists boarded two Eurocopter EC130 helicopters for a scenic flight. The two choppers, operating from separate but nearby helipads, collided — one ascending while the other was landing. Four people aboard the ascending helicopter died when its tail a...