Overview
On an unspecified date, two Eurocopter EC130 helicopters, registered VH-XKQ and VH-XH9, were operating below 500 feet above ground level near the Sea World helipad on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The two aircraft collided in flight, leading to a series of events resulting in casualties and damage.
Accident Details
Following the collision, helicopter VH-XKQ impacted terrain. The accident resulted in four occupants being fatally injured and three occupants sustaining serious injuries. The other helicopter, VH-XH9, sustained substantial damage and subsequently conducted a forced landing on a nearby beach. Six occupants of VH-XH9 were injured, with one of those injuries classified as serious.
Response
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) opened an inquiry for administrative purposes to assist as an Accredited Representative under ICAO Annex 13 provisions for an overseas counterpart's investigation. In March 2026, with confirmation that assistance was no longer required, the Commission concluded the inquiry. The exact location of the accident is near Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland.
Investigation
No probable cause has been stated in the available source material. The investigation was initiated to support an overseas counterpart but was later closed without a formal determination by TAIC.