Cockpit Blind Spots, Faulty Radio Behind Fatal Gold Coast Crash

The ATSB’s 28 findings urge tech upgrades and stricter protocols to prevent a repeat of the Sea World crash and improve aviation safety standards.

An emergency worker looks over a crashed helicopter following a collision near SeaWorld, on the Gold Coast, Australia, on Jan. 2, 2023. Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP

The fatal mid-air collision near Sea World was no freak accident.

It stemmed from cockpit blind spots, failed communication, and a dangerously placed helipad, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB) final report released on April 9.