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Pilot identified after horror helicopter crash

The young pilot who died after his helicopter plummeted into the roof of a Cairns hotel has been identified. Blake Wilson, a 23-year-old from New Zealand, was flying the twin-engine chopper for only a few minutes before it crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Far North Queensland. Wilson had been celebrating a farewell party with co-workers just hours before the horror incident. Nautilus Aviation, the company that owned the helicopter, confirmed the pilot had worked for them as a ground crew member for about four months and had been celebrating one final day with colleagues before moving to another air base. In an updated statement on Tuesday night, police said initial investigations suggested Mr Wilson, who died at the scene, was the sole occupant of the helicopter at the time of the crash. Following his tragic death, Nautilus Aviation issued a statement saying, “We would like to address rumours regarding a gathering of some Nautilus Aviation employees, including off-duty pilots, on Sunday night.” “We can confirm this event did occur and was a privately organised send-off for the individual involved in Monday morning’s incident, who was recently promoted to a ground crew position at another one of our bases." While the company did not identify the pilot the time, they did reveal they held a New Zealand pilot’s licence. “Although the employee held a New Zealand CPL (H) pilot’s licence, they have never flown in Australia or for Nautilus Aviation and were not authorised to fly Nautilus Aviation helicopters,” company statement read. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy and continue to offer our support to our employees during this very challenging period.” Mr Wilson had moved from New Zealand to Cairns for his flying training to follow his dreams of being a pilot at Christchurch Helicopters. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

"Totally insensitive": Kate Middleton slammed for "hypocritical" move

Kate Middleton has come under fire after using a taxpayer-funded helicopter to travel a short distance for an offical royal engagement. On Monday, the Princess of Wales travelled to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton by helicopter, while the journey by car would've taken just under two hours. She visited the airfield as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, an honorary title given to her by King Charles. After news of her mode of travel hit social media, many were quick to slam her decision to use the helicopter, given the royal family's preaching about protecting the environment against climate change. Anti-monarchists took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their frustrations with the "hypocrisy". One person wrote, "She could have gone by car. About two hours from Windsor. But instead flies by helicopter for an entirely pointless visit." Many others agreed, with one user writing, "What about climate change, didn’t Charlie also use a private jet this week to fly people to meet him .. do what I say, not do what I do." "While her husband preaches to the rest of us about the environment," another added. "Ahhh the Uber Helicopter again! And it costs the taxpayer £5,000 [A$9,600] each time!" a third pointed out. "We pay for their travel so they take advantage!" another user said. "Use a car, Kate!" someone else begged. "More climate change hypocrisy," one annoyed user wrote. "A waste of taxpayers money... not to mention the carbon footprint of her trip," yet another said. Others labelled the Princess of Wales as "totally insensitive" and "disgusting" for choosing not to drive, given Prince William's dedication to climate change efforts. The uproar comes after a new poll revealed the British public believes Prince William and Kate need to work harder before they rise to the throne. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Matt Wright accuses police of overlooking evidence in helicopter crash investigation

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has revealed what he believes caused the helicopter crash that killed his friend and co-star Chris Wilson in 2022, accusing police of ignoring crucial evidence. Wright is facing seven charges regarding his conduct after the fatal crash, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, fabrication of evidence and destruction of evidence. Chris “Willow” Wilson was killed on February 28, 2022, while collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. The 34-year-old had been suspended in a sling from a helicopter when the aircraft crashed, resulting in his death. Sebastian Robinson, the pilot of the Robinson R44 helicopter suffered severe spinal injuries from the crash. In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Wright revealed the ongoing police investigation is “focusing on picking apart my life and business” rather than the events leading to the fatal crash. “I do seriously wonder why the NT Police are not focusing on whether the helicopter was refuelled and the fact the toxicology report reveals the detection of cocaine derivatives in the pilot’s blood sample,” he said. No one has been charged for Wilson’s death, and Wright has “strenuously” denied any wrongdoing. Wright previously claimed that Mr Robinson’s blood sample tested positive for cocaine and that has been supported by a letter sent by his lawyer David Newey to Senior Crown prosecutor Steven Ledek. The letter was used as evidence during a court hearing in relation to Wright’s charges in Darwin in April 2023, highlighting information contained in the prosecution’s brief of evidence. Wright told the publication he recently learned Mr Robsinson, the pilot who was externally contracted for the flight, “was at a party into the early hours of the day before the crash, where people were using cocaine”. A man who wished to remain anonymous told The Sunday Telegraph that he was introduced to Mr Robinson at a party in Virginia, 30km southeast of Darwin, two nights before the crash. The outlet reported he came forward after hearing about the toxicology report being referred to in the court case. Wright described the new revelations as “extremely concerning”, especially given the references to the toxicology report in court, and said if he were aware of what it suggests occurred before the flight “it never would have taken off”. He also said the preliminary Australian Transport Safety Bureau report suggested the helicopter was not refuelled en route to the egg collection. He believes that is likely what caused the crash. The helicopter was expected to leave Darwin and refuel at Mr Borradaile on the way to a preparation area near King River in Arnhem Land, where it would land, attach the sling and connect a person before beginning the egg collection. Wright told The Sunday Telegraph his Darwin fuel stations use “blue fuel” but the station at Mt Borradaile near the crash site used “green”. The colour indicates lead levels. It was reported that the fuel at Mt Borradaile was provided by a third party company involved in egg collections. The ATSB report said investigators drained “about 250ml of blue fuel from the main tank’s bladder” following the crash. “This makes me question whether the helicopter was refuelled at Mount Borradaile and whether it was fuel exhaustion that caused the crash,” Wright told the outlet. A pilot flying another helicopter joining the fatal mission told the Australian there was “no possible way” fuel exhaustion caused the crash because he filled the crashed R44’s tank himself at a fuel-drum site near Mt Borradaile shortly before the crash. Tim Luck said he flew from Noonamah to the drum site with another pilot and saw Mr Wilson filling up the tank. He also noted he jumped out and took over pumping. “I’m 100 per cent sure that machine was filled to the top,” he said. However, Mr Wright said Mr Luck was not “authorised or trained in refuelling helicopters” as that responsibility, he said, was up to the pilot in command. The Sunday Telegraph obtained a photo which appears to show Wilson sitting in the right-side pilot’s seat with the helicopter’s controls in his hands. Wright said the picture shows Wilson flying the aircraft in the pilot’s seat and Robinson sitting on the left, with both of his feet off the pedals. “This was a commercial flight, the pilot was not an instructor and Chris Wilson did not have a commercial helicopter licence,” he said. According to The Sunday Telegraph, the image is time stamped at 7:43am, 40 minutes after the aircraft left Darwin, and appears to show the fuel gauge indicating the tank was about three quarters full. It was an estimated 90 minute flight from Darwin to fuel the drums. He was not blaming Wilson, describing him as a “true legend” in tributes on social media, for being behind the controls, but could not understand why the “pilot went against protocol”. NT Police said in a statement they were “continuing to investigate all matters relating to this incident”. The ATSB’s final report into the cause of the crash is set for release by September 2023. Image credit: Instagram

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“That’s why we call him Superman”: Sea World crash survivor speaks

<div> <div> <div> <div> <div> The little boy who nearly lost his life in the tragic Sea World helicopter crash has revealed an update on his journey to recovery two months after the incident occurred. Nicky Tadros shared the news after months in hospital, with doctors initially unsure if the 10-year-old would make it out alive. “My kidneys have woken up and I’m no more on a fluid restriction,” he said on Nine’s A Current Affair. “And my liver levels have gotten better and all my blood test results have come back really good.” Nicky was on one of the helicopters that collided mid-air at Sea World on the Gold Coast. His mother, Vanessa Tadros, was killed alongside British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes and Sea World Helicopters chief pilot Ash Jenkinson. The other helicopter managed to land on a sandbank. Nicky’s father, Simon Tadros, said he was incredibly proud of his “strong willed” son’s recovery effort. “The bravery he’s showing and he’s just pushing through every kind of hardship,” Mr Tadros said. “That’s why we call him Superman, because everything you put in front of him, he just pushes it out on the way.” Despite the effort to save Nicky’s life, doctors were unable to save his right leg, with the 10-year-old having to undergo a five-and-a-half-hour operation to amputate. “I was nervous at the beginning because I thought they get a chainsaw and chop it off from Bunnings Warehouse,” he said. Although the boy had endured countless surgeries with a long road to recovery ahead, he was grateful for the support he received. “I thank [Australia] for everything because I know that they’re always praying for me and caring for me and that’s the same with dad,” he said. “[Dad]’s always caring for me, since day one he’s never left my side no matter what. “When I’m sad when I’m happy when I’m angry, he’s there for me.” Mr Tadros has celebrated each milestone as his son works toward leaving hospital and returning to his normal life. Nicky also shared what he was most looking forward to once he leaves hospital. Image credit: A Current Affair </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Update on deadly Sea World helicopter crash

A pilot “did not recall” his fellow pilot making a standard taxing call to say he was taking off before their helicopters collided and crashed, killing four people and injuring nine others on the Gold Coast. Air crash investigators said the pilot, Michael James, told them he saw five passengers boarding the second helicopter at a helipad near Sea World as he was coming in to land his aircraft with six passengers at another helipad close by. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the pilot thought the second helicopter would pass behind his aircraft and that he doesn’t remember the other pilot radioing him to announce his departure. “They did not recall the pilot of XKQ making a standard “taxiing” call announcing their intention to depart.” the ATSB's preliminary report into the crash said. There was a third helicopter pilot nearby at the time, and he recalled hearing Mr James’ inbound call but did not recall hearing a taxi call from the other pilot taking off. A fourth helicopter pilot said he could not recall hearing calls from either of the two pilots involved in the crash before their aircrafts collided. ATSB commissioner Angus Mitchel said that evidence “did not necessarily mean that a taxiing call was not made” by the pilot taking off, and investigators would probe the radio calls leading up to the crash. The report said that Mr James also told the ATSB he never saw the second helicopter take off from the helipad. “While video footage taken by passengers in both helicopters on mobile phones contained images of the other helicopter, this does not mean that the other helicopter was visible to either pilot,” Mr Mitchell said. “The investigation will look closely at the issues both pilots faced in seeing the other helicopter.” The findings are part of a preliminary report into the collision led by Mr Mitchell. “We're looking at everything that may have contributed, whether that be equipment, whether that be procedures, whether that be individual actions … they will all be part.” he said. The report also stated the operator “was aware that there was a problem with Mr James’ aircraft transponder”. “The transponder was not transmitting secondary surveillance radar responses that were detected by radar surveillance equipment for the accident flight or previous flights,” the report said, in reference to Mr James’ chopper. “Efforts to diagnose and address the transponder problem were ongoing.” According to the report, both aircrafts had been fitted with a traffic collision avoidance system, however, it was not fully integrated into either of the helicopters. The report found the system only provided the pilots with auditory alerts, not visual information. Four people died, and nine people were injured, including three in critical condition as a result of the two aircrafts colliding mid-air and crashing into the sandbar. Pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, and his passengers, including British couple Ron and Diane, 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36, all died. Ms Tadros' son Nicholas, 10, has been undergoing medical procedures since the incident and last week had his leg amputated from the knee down. Victorian mother Winnie de Silva, 33, and her nine-year-old son are recovering from injuries sustained from the crash. The pilot of the second helicopter, Mr James, managed to land his chopper safely, but he and two of his passengers were injured by shards of glass flying out when the aircraft’s windshield smashed. The injured passengers were New Zealand women Elmarie Steenberg and Marle Swart, who had been on holiday with their husbands, Riaan Steenberg and Edward Swart. The full ATSB report into the accident by the Air Transport Safety Bureau will not be expected until at least September 2024. Image credit: Facebook

News

"Where's mum?" Sea World helicopter crash survivor's heart-breaking question

The husband of a mother who tragically died in the Sea World helicopter crash has shared the heart-breaking question his son Nicholas asked him when he awoke from his coma. Vanessa Tadros and her 10-year-old son were on the aircraft when it collided with another on January 2nd, as the crash claimed the life of Vanessa and three others. Nicholas miraculously survived the accident, and has spent the last seven weeks in intensive care recovering from life-altering injuries. After being in an induced coma, Nicholas awoke and asked his father Simon a question he had been dreading. “He said, ‘Where’s mum?’” Simon told Ally Langdon during an emotional interview on <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/ally-langdon-speaks-about-her-emotional-interview-with-father-simon-tadros-about-sea-world-chopper-crash/af847866-bb2f-42be-8a15-d20d06a0c685">A Current Affair</a>. “I said she was in the crash with you.” “He said, ‘Yeah, I know, but where’s mum?’ I said, ‘Baby boy, mum had to go to Jesus.’” “And he just turned his head and closed his eyes,” bringing Ally Langdon to tears. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HelpingNicky?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HelpingNicky</a>: A heartbroken father recalls the final moments before his wife was killed and son was critically injured in the Gold Coast helicopter crash. See the full story, TONIGHT on A Current Affair.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9ACA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9ACA</a> | Watch LIVE 7pm <a href="https://t.co/cH1TElSUnM">pic.twitter.com/cH1TElSUnM</a> — A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9/status/1627570052957605889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote> Nicholas suffered extensive injuries in the crash breaking multiple bones, his kidneys are still not functioning unaided and his lungs collapsed from inhaling jet fuel. Doctors expect he will need to remain in hospital for at least another five months after deciding he will need to have his right foot amputated. “He said I’m not going to give up, Dad. I’m not going to leave you alone,” Simon recalled. “He’s a strong-willed boy. He’s a good kid.” Simon also recalled the final conversation he had with his wife before she boarded the helicopter with Nicholas. “I remember saying to my wife, I was thinking it’s amazing how quick they turn over these helicopters,” he said. “My wife just turned around to me and said, “Babe, I’m sure they know what they’re doing””. Simon shared that he hasn’t been able to properly grieve the loss of his wife as he spends every minute at Nicholas’ bedside. “It’s been hard, it’s a daily struggle … I don’t leave his bedside until 12, 1 in the morning,” he said. “Even leaving to go lay my wife to rest … it was just hard to keep my mind focused on the one thing, I didn’t want to leave him… but we gotta do what we gotta do.” Image credits: Nine News / Instagram

Caring

“A miracle that I’m here”: Sea World helicopter crash survivor speaks out

Disaster survivor Winnie De Silva has spoken to Sunrise’s Monique Wright about the devastating Sea World helicopter ride that she and her son, Leon, were passengers of. Winnie met Monique with a smile from her wheelchair, a necessity in the wake of her injuries - two broken legs, a crushed collarbone, blood clots, a severely wounded liver, and burns. Winnie and Leon were two of three survivors from their helicopter, with the other four people onboard losing their lives <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/investigation-launched-after-helicopter-crash-sees-four-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in the accident</a>. “It was just a miracle that I’m here,” Winnie told Monique. The trip was a holiday for the mother and her nine-year-old son, and the flight a special treat for them both. “Up in the air I took two selfie photos for me and Leon,” Winnie said of the minutes before tragedy struck, “the water scenery was very beautiful, and Leon said to me ‘Mum, take photos’.” “We heard a bang,” she continued, going on to share her experience of the fatal crash, detailing the moment of collision. “When I saw the pilot’s side of the window, it’s broken. I could only see outside. “I would see clouds. I would see water underneath … and then I thought, ‘this is not going to be a helicopter ride anymore’. “The shaking was horrible. It was shaking both sides, and shaking continuously. It was just the end of life. And I had hope in the pilot, to me he’s my hero. I salute Ash, may he rest in peace.” Ash, the helicopter’s pilot, managed to get the aircraft above a sandbar, a move Winnie credits with saving herself and her son, Leon. Ash, unfortunately, lost his life that day. “I saw him struggle with trying to stabilise that helicopter,” Winnie recalled, “I didn’t see anyone else. I was looking at him.” “I held Leon’s hand, and I asked him to close his eyes,” she added, “and I closed my eyes as well, and I said to God ‘let your will be done’. When I closed my eyes, it was peace that came to myself. I can’t remember anything else.” Leon remains in hospital, where he is slowly improving. However, having been left with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/young-helicopter-crash-survivor-wakes-from-coma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">damage to his brain</a> from the crash, he requires 24 hour care. Leon has been receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital, while Winnie has been at The Gold Coast University Hospital, and the two have only been able to see each other once in six weeks. Despite the tragedy, and the long and difficult road to recovery ahead of them, Winnie was open about her hope for the future, and expressed her gratitude for the miracle of their survival, telling Monique, “I am here, alive, and happy. “I am so thankful. I am doing okay right now, despite walking. But psychologically, mentally, I feel like there’s hope.” Images: Seven

Caring

Sea World helicopter crash survivors speak out

Survivors of the deadly Sea World helicopter crash that killed four people have spoken out about the tragedy. Elmarie and Riaan Steenberg and Marle and Edward Swart, two couples from New Zealand, were holidaying in Queensland when the helicopter they were travelling in collided with another on January 2nd. Now, weeks after the incident occurred, the couples spoke with 60 Minutes and revealed they are still picking glass out of their bodies. “I just want it out of my body because it reminds (me) of the day,” Ms Steenberg said. Ms Steenberg also shared how she knew they were in “serious trouble” when she saw the other helicopter underneath her. “We thought it’s just a five-minute flight, that’ll be fun,” Mrs Swart said. Her husband added, “What can go wrong?” “I saw the helicopter underneath me, and I knew we were in serious trouble and I actually said, ‘Please, God, help us’,” “And then I heard the explosion,” Ms Steenberg said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> When two helicopters collided mid-air at Sea World on the Gold Coast, four friends from NZ never expected their new year's holiday to turn into a disastrous crash. They reflect on the joy of surviving, as well as the guilt and sorrow they have for the lives lost on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60Mins</a>. <a href="https://t.co/MkKFfV6mTW">pic.twitter.com/MkKFfV6mTW</a> — 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Mins/status/1622172822960226307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote> The couples’ pilot Michael James was at the controls of the other vehicle and managed to land it safely on the sandbank. They were taken to hospital and treated for their injuries and have since returned home to Auckland. Since returning to normal life, Ms Swart said the hardest part of the ordeal is knowing others died and being weighed down by the guilt of survival. "It's the hardest part and it's very real. The question everyday is: why?" “Why did we survive? We’re just ordinary, boring people. Why us, you know? We’re nothing special.” "So yeah, you think about that every day." The pilot of the other helicopter Ash Jenkinson, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes and Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros were killed in the tragedy. Mrs Tadros’s son Nicholas, 10, was critically injured while Geelong woman Winnie de Silva and her son Leon, nine, suffered serious injuries. Image credits: 60 Minutes

News

"A living miracle": Deadly helicopter crash survivor speaks after waking from coma

The young survivor of the deadly helicopter crash in Queensland has woken from his coma and spoken to his father for the first time since the tragedy. Nicholas Tadros was one of seven people on-board a joy ride helicopter that crashed near SeaWorld theme park on the Gold Coast. Four people died in the incident, including his mother Vanessa. The family's parish priest Suresh Kumar described the boy as a "living miracle" after he woke up from an induced coma almost one month after the horrific crash. “This little boy is a living miracle friends,” Father Kumar said in a post to Facebook on Saturday. The priest was overjoyed to reveal that Nicholas did not have any lasting brain injuries and was able to speak to his father Simon for the first time over the weekend. “A billion thanks to God. He doesn’t have brain injury,” Father Kumar said. “Simon is able to talk to him and Nicholas responds very clearly with names, dates etc though his voice is bit slur.” The priest went on to suggest that Nicholas’s miraculous survival could have been a result of the heroic acts of his late mother. “His mum Vanessa might have grabbed his head and protected him at the impact. She is a hero,” Father Kumar said. “Nicholas will be able to tell us when he is able to recollect. May Vanessa’s soul rest in peace.” Nicholas still has a long road to recovery ahead of him, as the medical team in charge of his care are working to save his leg form amputation after it was "shattered very badly" during the crash. “We have got to keep praying that his leg is not amputated as the danger of losing his leg is still looming,” Father Kumar said. “Overall, our little champ is fighting the good fight and keeps improving.” Image credits: Nine News

News

New photos capture devastating reality of helicopter collision

Warning: This article contains images that some readers may find disturbing. Four of the survivors of the deadly Gold Coast helicopter collision have released a series of photos that document the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. New Zealand couples Marle and Edward Swart, and Elmarie and Riaan Steenberg, were on board the descending helicopter that was struck by one just taking off. The ascending helicopter crashed to the ground, killing <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/helicopter-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four people</a> on board and wounding three other passengers. On Sunday, the four New Zealand survivors issued a collective statement, sharing how they are still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. "We want to express our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the injured, deceased, and their families," they said. "Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss. This has been traumatic for us as survivors, and we cannot imagine the terrible sadness their families and loved ones must be feeling." The couples also offered their gratitude to those who helped them, including their "hero" pilot Michael James, bystanders who rushed to their aid and emergency and medical personnel who helped them. "Their care and heroism changed our lives," the statement said. "Our pilot, Michael James. You are our hero. You landed the helicopter safely and kept the bystanders and us safe. We are eternally grateful to you." <div>"Unidentified bystanders who ran to our assistance. The person on the jet ski who was first on the scene and helped us out of the helicopter, the off-duty paramedic who ran to our assistance, the holidaymakers who brought us hats, towels and water, and chairs." "Every police officer and emergency services personnel both on the scene of the crash and later in the hospital. The staff of Villas de la Mer who helped our children to visit us and kept them safe. There are no words to describe our gratitude." "Every staff member involved in our care at Robina Public Hospital. Your discretion and compassionate care during our stay brought us much comfort. We will always remember your kindness." "Our community in New Zealand for all their well wishes and messages of comfort. "Our dear family and friends in Australia who have supported us over this period. We appreciate you so very much." "Craig and the staff of Sea World Helicopters for their support. We also want to express our deep condolences for the loss of pilot Ashley Jenkinson." "The reality of the last five days' events is sinking in and is a heavy weight to carry," they said. The four survivors also shared a series of images of their recovery in the hospital, as well as a photo snapped from inside the wreckage of the helicopter. The four said they would continue to help the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Queensland Police with their investigation into the incident as needed. They are headed home to New Zealand, where Elmarie and Marle will continue their lengthy recovery. Image credits: The Swart and Steenberg families </div>

News

Young helicopter crash survivor wakes from coma

There has been a glimmer of hope in the aftermath of the devastating Gold Coast helicopter tragedy. Nine-year-old Leon de Silva, who boarded the joyride with his mother Winnie, has woken up from a medically induced coma. He woke up on Thursday evening, moving from a critical condition to stable condition at Queensland Children's Hospital. Leon's stepfather Neil confirmed he is now in a stable condition, and remaining under observation. “We’re just focusing on their recovery now,” he told The Herald Sun. Leon was placed into an induced coma about 70 kilometres north at Brisbane Children's Hospital after suffering a cracked skull and severe trauma to the brain. His mother Winnie remains at the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition after breaking both her legs, damaging her left knee, breaking her right shoulder and collarbone. Earlier on Thursday, Leon's stepfather Neil told Sunrise his wife is still "fighting" but her main priority was her son. "The main issue is the extensive injuries that he has. He’s lying in bed at the moment. He is still laying with his eyes closed and not able to talk or communicate at this stage," Mr de Silva said. He revealed his sister Julie has been by his stepson's bedside since the accident, and connected Ms de Silva with her son through FaceTime on Wednesday. "As she was saying, ‘mum’s here and mum’s going to look after you and everything’s going to be alright’, he actually managed to give her a thumbs up," Mr de Silva added. "It wasn’t a full thumbs up, he could only lift it halfway but that was fantastic news." Image credits: GoFundMe

News

"Mateship in action": NZ survivors of helicopter crash praise Aussie compassion

Two couples from New Zealand who survived the deadly helicopter collision on the Gold Coast have shared their condolences for those who died during the accident. Edward and Marle Swart along with Riaan and Elmarie Steenberg spoke of how the "fun five-minute joy ride on vacation to Australia turned into a nightmare" and said their "hearts are so heavy" for those who died in the other aircraft that fell to the ground. "Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the injured and the deceased and their families," they said in a joint statement released on Wednesday night. "We are grateful and blessed to have been spared but very sad for the people who lost loved ones and the little ones and mum fighting for their lives in hospital. "Our hearts are so heavy for them." The couples also praised the 52-year-old pilot who managed to land their damaged helicopter safely "through all the chaos", while also commending the actions of witnesses who rushed to help on the scene. "Our gratitude goes out to every bystander who ran to help, every police officer and emergency services personnel who helped us with our immediate needs keeping us calm and making us comfortable," they said. "We saw mateship in action. Australians come together to help in time of need." "We would like to extend our great thanks to the hospital staff taking care of us for their kindness and compassion during this traumatic experience." The New Zealand couples, all in their 40s, were among the six people in the second helicopter who all survived the crash with minor injuries. <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/helicopter-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Four people</a> on the first helicopter died while the remaining three survivors remain in hospital. Image credits: Nine News

Travel Trouble

“Pray for my little man”: Community rally behind 10-year-old gravely injured in helicopter collision

The extended community surrounding the Sydney boy and mum who were on board the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/investigation-launched-after-helicopter-crash-sees-four-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">helicopter that crashed at Sea World</a> have come together in pray for the "precious little boy" and to mourn the loss of his mother. Nicholas Tadros, 10, was critically injured in the Gold Coast crash, while his mum Vanessa Tadros, 36, died. Vanessa Tadros’ sister-in-law, Bile Miloseska, wrote online on Wednesday morning that she had “an absolute broken heart” following the tragic accident. “On Monday we lost an absolute angel of a woman,” she said. “Our beautiful nephew, Nicky is in the ICU recovering from his injuries.” Miloseska asked family and friends to join her in praying for “total healing for this precious little boy”. A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/vanessa-tadros" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> has been organised for the Tadros family, as it is understood Nicholas Tadros has had multiple operations. Rochelle Fajloun, a close friend of Vanessa Tadros, wrote that “Nicholas is critically injured and on life support as he fights for his life in a Gold Coast hospital, with his father by his side”. “We are praying for a miracle that our Nicky, (as he is playfully known) can be brought back to his grief stricken father Simon,” she said. “If by God’s grace Nicky survives his catastrophic injuries, he will have an intense and protracted recovery period. Please keep him in your prayers. Simon Tadros took to social media to thank those who have supported his family, asking that everyone continue to pray for his son. “I do ask that if everyone can please say a prayer for Nicky , so he can wake up and make a good recovery,” he said. “He is in an induced coma on a life support machine to help him breathe. “He is in a very serious and critical state.” He asked on a family friend’s social media post that everyone “pray for my little man”. “Pray that God will show some mercy and bring him back to me.” Friends and family have rallied around Simon and Nicholas Tadros, remembering Vanessa Tadros as a “beautfiul woman”. Norma-Marie Abboud said she was “so lost for words”. “Rest in peace beautiful angel.” The horrifying collision is still being investigated and Anyone who filmed the incident or saw it is urged to come forward to help ATSB investigators piece together what happened. Image: 7News

News

"I just went numb": Man recalls helicopter crash that gravely injured wife and stepson

A father has recounted the horrifying moment he watched his wife and stepson plummet to the ground in a wrecked helicopter after a mid-air collision on the Gold Coast. Neil De Silva told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fnews%2Fvictoria%2Fgeelong-mum-son-among-sea-world-chopper-casualties%2Fnews-story%2Fc3de255af1ae5ea3e8b5611b2eeae87c&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-control-score&V21spcbehaviour=append" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a> that he felt powerless to help as he watched his family collide with another helicopter at high speeds. “Winnie and Leon’s helicopter took off, it only went about 200 metres in the air,” Mr De Silva said. “I could see the other helicopter that was due to land … it looked like they were going to crash into one another." “As it got closer, I was thinking ‘this is crazy, this looks really bad’ and I just went numb”. After a pain-staking two hour wait, Neil was eventually informed that his wife Winnie, 33, and stepson Leon, 9, had survived the devastating crash, but had been rushed to hospital in critical condition. <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/helicopter-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Four others</a> on their flight were killed in the collision, while another young boy, 10, also remains critical in hospital. In a heart-wrenching twist to the De Silva's story, Neil revealed that the Geelong family were celebrating the end of a challenging year by treating themselves to a budget Gold Coast getaway. Mr De Silva shared that it had always been Winnie’s dream to take her son Leon on a chopper ride, so they decided to treat themselves to the adventure ride. “It was Winnie’s dream to take Leon on a helicopter,” Mr de Silva said. “I thought I would shout them a 10-minute flight." “We were on a budget holiday, trying to save money but I wanted them to have that experience.” Winnie remains critical but stable in the Gold Coast University Hospital with two broken legs, a damaged left knee, a broken right shoulder and a broken collarbone. Leon remains in a coma with facial and head injuries, a cracked skull and severe trauma to the brain in Brisbane’s Queensland Children’s Hospital. Mr De Silva has organised a<a title="www.gofundme.com" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-winnie-leon-seaworld-crash-victims?qid=8e66b72e6929303fe5aef72a4eb79661"> GoFundMe</a> to support the family as he takes time off work to be by their side. Leon moved from Kenya to Australia about a year ago to be with Winnie, and his life Down Under was set to be full of new experiences. “This was his first helicopter flight,” he said. “Everything is a new experience for him.” “I feel blessed that Winnie and Leon survived." “Four people died — they are blessed to be alive.” Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

"He saved lives": Pilot praised for his quick thinking during helicopter collision

Pilot Michael James has been praised for his quick thinking which saved a lot of lives during a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/investigation-launched-after-helicopter-crash-sees-four-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">collision</a> with another helicopter on the Gold Coast. The 52-year-old was flying the chopper when it collided with another near Sea World in a crash that claimed the lives of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/helicopter-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four people</a>. James was injured during the collision, and yet managed to land the damaged aircraft safely with his passengers only sustaining manageable injuries. Mr James is now recovering from his surgery and is yet to comment on the harrowing experience. Aviation expert Geoff Thomas said the pilot’s actions were lifesaving as he performed “an extraordinary feat of airmanship”. “It’s just amazing, it’s an incredible feat to do that given the level of damage and that he would have been hurt with glass and perspex everywhere,” he told The Gold Coast Bulletin. “It was an extraordinary feat of airmanship and he saved lives, there is no doubt about it." “When I looked at the images, I was astonished at the damage and that he was able to land it at all." “We could have had a far worse situation here.” Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell also praised Michael James as a lifesaver. “It was a remarkable job considering the damage that was done to the front-left hand part of the aircraft where the pilot was sitting,” he said on Tuesday. “We could have had a far worse situation here. “What we do need to know now is, what was occurring inside those cockpits.” Mr Thomas went on to suggest the collision between the two helicopters had occurred because they were in each other’s blind spot. “People do not appreciate that, when looking down, you can’t see a helicopter up from the surroundings. My sense is that was a factor given both pilots were highly regarded and highly experienced. It may have been a blind spot situation. It is just a terrible tragedy.” Image credits: Gold Coast Bulletin

Caring

Helicopter crash victims identified

The four people who died in the devastating helicopter crash on the Gold Coast have been identified. Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros died in the crash while her 10-year-old son survived the collision and is fighting for life in hospital. British nationals Ron and Diane Hughes, 65 and 57, who were celebrating their recent wedding, were also killed. The helicopter's pilot Ash Jenkinson, 40, who'd been working at Sea World since 2019 and mentored friends in the aviation industry, was the first to be identified as having died in the crash. As well as Tadros' son, another mother Winnie De Silva and her nine-year-old son Leon survived the crash and remain in hospital. Jenkinson's friend Andy Taylor paid tribute to his friend, sharing the important work he did in helping flood victims across the Northern Rivers in 2022. "It was a team effort with a group of our mates and Ash jumped on board straight away when he heard what we were doing," Taylor told Today. "And because of him, we could rescue a lot of people, get a lot of food and supplies to people that otherwise would have never got them." "It was really humbling to know that he leaves a bit of a legacy, especially with the guys and everyone in the Northern Rivers area. It was a very special thing for him to do." Taylor said he couldn't imagine what Jenkinson's Helensvale-based family, including his one-year-old son, were going through. "He was always there," Taylor said. "Like I said before, he was a big guy with a big heart and a true legend that's certainly left a bit of a legacy in the aviation space." <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/investigation-launched-after-helicopter-crash-sees-four-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Investigations have begun</a> into the cause of the crash, with Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell saying it was too early to determine an exact cause of the tragic accident. "We have a reasonable understanding of what the two helicopters were doing, as I said, in those critical phases of flight, but exactly why this occurred, what was the range of visibility from both the pilots, what was happening inside the cabins at the time, they're the things that will help us piece together, potentially what may have been a contributing factor here," Mitchell said. "But it's still very early stages in the investigation to start speculating." Image credits: Nine News

News

Investigation launched after helicopter crash sees four dead

Investigators have begun searching for answers about the fatal helicopter crash that left four people dead on the Gold Coast. After a mid-air collision on Monday afternoon, the distressing scene played out in front of thousands of guests visiting Sea World, and the busy Gold Coast Broadwater for the New Year’s Day public holiday. Initial reports suggest one helicopter was taking off as the other was landing when they collided. “One was trying to leave and they both smacked into each other,” a witness told 7NEWS. “Then they broth dropped and one of the helicopters actually lit on fire.” Another witness described the explosion that followed the collision. “We just looked up and they instantly hit each other,” she said. “Blades went flying, flames everywhere.” One helicopter fell upside down into a sandbank at the water’s edge scattering debris over a wide area around 2 pm on Monday near the popular theme park. On board, four people were killed and three passengers were critically injured. The second aircraft landed safely, but the windscreen was damaged. Queensland Ambulance supervisor Jayney Shearman said another six patients were treated primarily for glass shrapnel wounds. He said the “airframe has crashed and it was upside down”, and its front was severely damaged. The helicopter had no nose and no windscreen, after both were blasted off in the moment of impact and those below the crash could only run from the blades of the first helicopter spearing into the sand. Tourists became rescuers, as people on jet skis and in boats rushed to help the victims at the small sandbank before paramedics and police arrived on the scene. They were confronted with a “significant incident”, Queensland Police Acting Inspector Gary Worrell said. Members of the public rendered immediate assistance, working alongside police to remove people - including at least one child - from the wreckage as it burst into flames. They commenced first aid and tried to get those people to safety from the airframe that was upside down, Worrell said. Jayney Shearman from QAS said they attended to 13 people from both helicopters. “There were three critical patients that were treated and there were six with minor injuries that were all transported through to hospital,” she said. “The minor injuries were mainly glass shrapnel that had come from the impact.” Shearman said there were a number of critical injuries, “what we call multi-system trauma which means that there was a lot of impact to the body”. In the initial stages, she said, it was very important to have some basic life support which was being conducted by first-aiders. Two people, a woman and a child were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital while another child was airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital. Six other people are at Robina Hospital being assessed in the emergency department and it is understood some may be eventually transferred to Gold Coast University Hospital. Sea World’s chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson has been confirmed as one of the victims. He leaves behind a wife and a young son. Images: 7News

News

Arrest warrant issued for TV star over helicopter fatality

Reality TV star and croc wrangler Matt Wright has been spotted at Sydney airport while on his way to Darwin to face several charges relating to a deadly helicopter crash in the Northern Territory. NT Police issued an arrest warrant for the star on Monday, informing Wright’s legal team that he must present himself to a Darwin police station by 9am on Wednesday. Wright is expected to be charged with several offences relating to the crash on February 28, including perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and two counts of unlawful entry. The accident resulted in the severe injury of one man and the death of fellow Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory star Chris “Willow” Wilson, who were in the helicopter collecting crocodile eggs. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/matt-wright-airport.jpeg" alt="" width="1279" height="719" /> Matt Wright was spotted at Sydney airport for his flight to Darwin. Image: Today Show Footage captured by Today shows Wright arriving at the Qantas domestic check-in area on Tuesday morning with his wife Kaia and their one-week-old daughter Dusty. As Wright walked through the airport to board his 8.15am flight, he was grilled by reporters about where he was heading. "Are you flying to Darwin? Will you be handing yourself into police? Do you have anything to say about the allegations?" a reporter questioned. "Did you interfere with any evidence? Did you fabricate witness statements?” In a statement shared with NCA NewsWire on Monday, a spokesman for the 43-year-old said he “strenuously denies any wrongdoing”. “What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” the spokesman said. “His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on-board at the time. “The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe. “Matt will not be making any further statement, but he will be vigorously defending the charges.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClFNEj2hmyY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClFNEj2hmyY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by MATT WRIGHT - OUTBACK WRANGLER (@mattwright)</a> </div> </blockquote> Wright, who was in another helicopter with three others, was one of the first people on the scene of the crash. Pilot Michael Burbidge and police officer Neil Mellon were also on the helicopter with Wright and have been hit with serious charges. Mellon, who will return to court on December 7, faces 35 offences, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and making false declarations. Burbidge is due to reappear in court on January 25 for four charges, which include the same three as Mellon as well as fabricating evidence. Following the crash, Wright shared an emotional tribute to Wilson, who he described as a “brother”. “Willow you truly were an amazing person – a father every kid would wish for, a husband every man would aspire to be, a son to be proud of and a mate that’s a brother,” he wrote, sharing a series of images. “You have left an incredible legacy – you achieved so much, impacted those around you for the better and created adventures that showed everyone how to best spend our time here. “Mate, you were made for TV, a natural charisma and way with words that lit up the screen and made our shows what they are. “I’m grateful Dani and the boys will be able to watch you and your adventures forever.” Image: Instagram

Legal

All flights grounded after five deaths

A chartered helicopter company has grounded all flights after five people died on a trip. The pilot and four passengers on board a helicopter owned by Microflite were declared dead after the flight crashed near Mt Disappointment, north of Melbourne's CBD. Police Air Wing located the wreckage about 11.45 on Thursday and began their investigations with aviation experts into what caused the plane to crash. On board was a 32-year-old man who was the pilot, a 50-year-old woman, 59-year-old man, 70-year-old man, and a 73-year-old man. Microflite announced in a statement that their flights would resume on Tuesday as investigations continue. “A private charter flown by one of our crews crashed at Mount Disappointment, tragically killing all four passengers and one of our highly respected pilots onboard,” the statement began. “The Microflite family have been deeply shocked and devastated by this tragic incident, and we have decided to suspend all charter services until at least Tuesday 5 April 2022, at this stage. “If you have a flight with us during this time, we will reach out to you in the coming days regarding your booking. “We understand you will have questions regarding this incident, and will be in touch with further information in due course. “Thank you in advance for your patience and support during this challenging time.” The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will determine the cause of the crash. Image: Nine News

News

NT legend identified as chopper crash victim

Well-known Northern Territory personality Chris 'Willow' Wilson has been identified as the victim of a chopper crash in West Arnhem. The Outback Wrangler cast member was killed and another person was seriously injured just before 11 am on Monday the 28th of February. Northern Territory police sent officers from Goulburn Island to attend the site on King River, several hours away. Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said authorities reached the site in the afternoon and confirmed the death of the 34-year-old man. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Absolutely heartbreaking for so many people. Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson, cast member of Outback Wrangler and well-known Territory legend, has been identified as the victim of yesterday’s chopper crash in West Arnhem. <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsDarwin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@9NewsDarwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@9NewsAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ESfE32PZ7D">pic.twitter.com/ESfE32PZ7D</a> — Tahlia Sarv (@tahliasarv) <a href="https://twitter.com/tahliasarv/status/1498443605400522755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></blockquote> "The survivor, a 28-year-old man, was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital," Ms Gibson said. CareFlight sent a rescue helicopter, while several agencies were notified including the Australian Rescue Coordination Centre, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and Northern Territory WorkSafe. Outback Wrangler host Matt Wright told the NT News the entire team has been left 'devastated' by the tragedy. "Our love and thoughts are with Chris' wife Danielle and two little boys Ted and Austin as well as the families and friends of Chris and Seb during this incredibly tough time," read a statement provided to NT News by the company behind the show. An investigation into the crash is underway. Image: Twitter

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