Australia helicopter collision: Passenger tapped pilot before crash, footage shows
A survivor of a deadly helicopter collision in Australia had tried to warn a pilot of impending danger, a video appears to show.
In the footage, a passenger in the backseat of the aircraft is seen tapping the pilot’s shoulder.
Pilot Michael James turns his head in response, while the passenger then grips his seat.
The helicopter and another collided a moment later, killing a UK couple and two Australians on the other aircraft.
The footage – obtained by Australia’s 7 News – was filmed on board a Sea World sightseeing helicopter that was descending on the Gold Coast on Monday afternoon.
James managed to land the helicopter safely after the rotor blade of an ascending helicopter crashed through its windscreen.
Three other people on board the other aircraft were badly injured, after it fell rapidly to the ground.
The four people killed were Sydney resident Vanessa Tadros, British couple Diane Hughes, 57, and her 65-year-old husband Ron, and 40-year-old Sea World Helicopters pilot Ashley Jenkinson, who was originally from Birmingham.
The Hughes’ family put out a statement saying they were “still in a state of shock”. Tadros’ husband, Simon, sought prayers on social media for their 10-year-old son Nicholas, who is one of those badly injured and in intensive care.
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