Pilot killed as helicopter crashes into roof of Cairns hotel in early hours of morning
SUMMARY
A helicopter crash early Monday morning at Cairns' DoubleTree by Hilton hotel killed the pilot and forced the evacuation of hundreds of guests. The crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. local time when the helicopter, owned by Nautilus Aviation, struck the hotel roof and caused a fire. The aircraft, which had been flown without authorization, had its propellers land on the esplanade and in the hotel pool. Queensland police confirmed the pilot's death and stated that about 300-400 people were evacuated, with two elderly individuals taken to the hospital in stable condition. Investigations by Queensland Police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, and Nautilus Aviation are ongoing to determine the cause and circumstances of the unauthorized flight.
