TAIC opened an inquiry for administrative purposes to assist as an Accredited Representative under ICAO Annex 13 provisions for an overseas counterpart’s investigation into a mid-air collision near Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland, on 2 January 2023. In March 2026, with confirmation that the assistance was no longer required, the Commission concluded the inquiry.
Executive summary Tuhinga whakarāpopoto
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 the assistance was no longer required, the Commission concluded the inquiry. General information about TAIC’s international engagement can be found here: Assisting overseas investigations | TAIC
It was reported that the two Eurocopter EC130 helicopters, VH-XKQ and VH-XH9, were below 500 feet above ground level near the Sea World helipad. After colliding, VH-XKQ collided with terrain, with four occupants fatally injured and three seriously injured. VH-XH9 sustained substantial damage and conducted a forced landing on the beach; six occupants were injured, one seriously.
Location: Near Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland