After his Sea World helicopter was struck in the cockpit, seasoned pilot Michael James was commended for his fast thinking and calm response.
Mr. James, age 52, is reported to have only worked as a Sea World helicopter pilot on the Gold Coast for one year, despite his extensive flying experience.
On Monday afternoon, though, his talents were put to the test when he collided mid-flight with British employee Ash Jenkinson, 40.
It is believed that Mr. Jenkinson’s helicopter spent only 20 seconds in the air after takeoff before colliding with Mr. James’.
Pilot Michael James (right) has been lauded for his composure following Monday’s fatal helicopter crash at Sea World, which claimed the lives of four people.
Mr. James was able to keep his Sea World chopper (on the right) upright after colliding with coworker Ash Jenkins on Monday.
Five of Mr. James’ passengers survived the tragic collision, with one remaining unhurt (shown, Mr. James’ helicopter after the incident).
Mr. James was able to land his plane upright on a sandbar between Sea World and the famed Broadwater beach on the Gold Coast, despite the horrific disaster that killed four people.
The pilot, who lived north of Brisbane and worked for Sea World on the Gold Coast four days a week, was recently featured in a Facebook post on Sea World Helicopters for giving a 35-year-old terminally ill man a helicopter trip.
Director of Gold Coast Heli-Tours, Scott Menzies, was astounded by how Mr. James behaved himself as Monday’s tragedy unfolded.
Mr. Menzies, who was flying nearby at the time of the accident, remarked that it was extraordinary that the pilot was able to land his aircraft safely in the immediate aftermath of the collision, so saving his life and the lives of his five passengers.
One of his passengers was unhurt in the horrific accident.
On Monday, British-born pilot Ash Jenkinson (seen with his family) and three of his passengers were slain.
Monday’s horrifying helicopter crash claimed the lives of British couple Ron and Diane Hughes (left) and Australian mother Vanessa Tadros.
Both planes crashed in the water between Sea World and Broadwater, a renowned Gold Coast resort (pictured, tributes left near the scene of the crash)
Scott Menzies, a fellow pilot and witness, stated that Mr. James (above) saved the lives of his five passengers during Monday’s terrifying collision.
His survivors included a 27-year-old lady from Western Australia and two couples from New Zealand: a 44-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, and a 48-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman.
Mr Menzies told Daily Mail Australia, “I believe (James) did a tremendous job keeping himself under control knowing that he probably would have had a lot of shrapnel wounds and bits and pieces to cope with.”
Therefore, I believe he did a phenomenal job, given the circumstances, in attempting to get the plane back on the ground.
How the crash unfolded: A step-by-step breakdown of how the four-fatality crash is believed to have occurred.
Queensland Police have stated that they are examining the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash on Monday.
“I mean, truly, you know, we’re looking at a double…you know, we’re looking at 13 fatalities in this case.”
There are not a great number of mid-air crashes in which one aircraft may actually land. If you give it some thought. It is quite unlikely that it occurred… especially with helicopters.
He did a fantastic job of maintaining order and composure. A remarkable effort given the conditions.
Monday, just after 2:00 p.m., two helicopters collided in mid-air. Investigators are still in the preliminary phases of investigating the cause.
British couple Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, Australian mother Vanessa Tadros, aged 36, and pilot Ash Jenkinson, aged 40, perished in the accident.
Menzies, who witnessed the crash, described what he observed as a “horrible accident” in which it appeared that both pilots misjudged where the other was at the time.
Menzies stated, “It’s a difficult case since it was conducted in a clear sky and everyone could see the two helicopters coming in on each other.”
‘It’s quite difficult not to see the other helicopter, or at least one of those aircraft should have been able to see the other helicopter.
It was incredible that they didn’t notice each other until it was too late.
It is said James is in stable condition at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Sea World released the following statement following Monday’s crash: ‘Village Roadshow Theme Parks extends its heartfelt condolences to all those affected by today’s helicopter tragedy in the Southport Broadwater.
‘Although Sea World Helicopters is an independent professional operator, VRTP is collaborating with emergency services and authorities to provide all necessary help.
Our team members who have been emotionally affected by the incident are receiving support.
Due to the ongoing police investigation, we are unable to share any additional information at this time.
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