Safety Authority Grilled Over Pilot Drug Testing Gaps After Fatal Sea World Crash
A coroner has heard that Sea World joy flight pilots faced daily alcohol breath tests but no mandated routine drug testing before a fatal crash
The safety authority has been grilled over gaps in pilot drug testing after a coroner heard that pilots on Sea World joy flights faced no mandated routine testing for illicit drugs ahead of a fatal crash. While pilots were breath-tested for alcohol before starting every shift, there was no equivalent requirement in place for drug screening.[1][2]
The inquest into the fatal crash highlighted the discrepancy in safety protocols, where daily alcohol breath tests were strictly enforced while routine illicit drug testing remained unmandated. The safety authority faced intense questioning over these regulatory gaps during the hearing.[1][2]
