Death in paradise: 12yo, pilot killed in Broome chopper tragedy

It started as a way to create memories to last a lifetime. An experienced pilot, two excited 12-year-old girls and a family friend on a joy flight over Broome’s iconic coastline.

But it quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare as the Robinson R44 Raven chopper plunged to the ground seconds after take-off, right in front of their loved ones eyes.

On board that flight was award-winning tourism operator and Broome identity Troy Thomas, his daughter Mia, her school friend Amber Millar and education assistant and friend of the families Maddison Down.

Troy, who was piloting the helicopter and Amber were killed. Mia and Maddison left clinging to life.

A community was in shock and an investigation began.

What it revealed would shock the tourism industry and leave Amber Millar’s grieving family desperate for answers.

The Nightly’s investigative journalist Kristen Shorten joins Tim Clarke to unpack the case.

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