An ATSB report reveals the decision of staff on the 737 to continue on as planned to Sydney, rather than the closer Norfolk Island, meant “no additional risk” was added to an already “high workload situation”.

Searchers have also found parts of the helicopter’s cockpit in water about 40 metres deep, despite poor weather hampering the recovery.

The Robinson R44, registered VH-KOV, was brought down by a seized clutch actuator lower bearing resulting in a loss of engine power to the rotor system, the ATSB found. Two passengers were severely injured, while the pilot and third passenger escaped with minor injuries.

In draft documents obtained by the Australian Financial Review, which have been held back from publication since April, the advocate found that despite lower passenger numbers post-COVID, there was a sharp increase last year in complaints about the Flying Kangaroo over pre-COVID levels.