A tragic and unauthorized flight in northeastern Australia turned deadly early Monday when a helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, Queensland. The incident claimed the life of the pilot and left two hotel guests with minor injuries. Queensland Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized flight, which occurred around 2 a.m. in the popular tourist hub.
The twin-engine helicopter’s impact with the hotel’s roof ignited a fire, sending thick clouds of smoke billowing into the night sky. The fire forced the evacuation of hundreds of hotel guests, who were quickly relocated to alternative accommodations. Authorities confirmed that all guests and employees were safely evacuated, with the hotel now cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Nautilus Aviation, the owner of the helicopter, issued a statement on Tuesday, identifying the pilot as a recently hired employee who had been promoted to a ground crew position. The company emphasized that the pilot held a New Zealand commercial helicopter pilot’s license but had “never flown in Australia or for Nautilus Aviation” and was not authorized to operate their aircraft. The pilot reportedly gained unauthorized access to the company’s helicopter hangar, commandeering the aircraft for the ill-fated flight.
Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes described the minimal injuries sustained by hotel guests as “pure luck,” acknowledging that the outcome could have been far worse. The injured guests were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated and reported to be “doing okay.”
Photos from the crash site reveal the extent of the damage, with parts of the helicopter scattered across the area. Two of the helicopter’s blades were found detached from the main body, one landing near the hotel’s Esplanade and the other in the hotel pool.
Nautilus Aviation has pledged full cooperation with Queensland Police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as investigations continue. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell confirmed that the helicopter had taken off from Cairns Airport, noting that visibility at the time was low. The investigation will examine the aircraft’s equipment, the nature of the unauthorized flight, and any additional evidence to determine whether the crash was a transport safety event or if other factors were involved.
