A pilot tragically lost their life after crashing a stolen helicopter into the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cairns, Australia, early Monday morning. The pilot, an employee of Nautilus Aviation, had attended a party with colleagues the night before, celebrating a recent promotion to a ground crew position.
The helicopter, taken without authorization from Nautilus Aviation’s hangar, crashed into the roof of the seven-story hotel around 1:50 a.m. local time. The collision sparked a fire, leading to the emergency evacuation of approximately 400 guests. Two elderly guests, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, were hospitalized with minor injuries.
Witnesses described the helicopter flying at an alarmingly low altitude and high speed in rainy conditions before the crash. One bystander recounted seeing the aircraft circle the hotel twice before it veered out of control and slammed into the building, scattering debris, including rotor blades, across the hotel grounds.
Nautilus Aviation confirmed that while the pilot held a license to fly in New Zealand, they were not authorized to operate helicopters in Australia. The company emphasized that the party was a private event organized by friends and was not work-related.
Authorities, including the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), are investigating the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized flight and subsequent crash. Nautilus Aviation has expressed its deep sorrow and is fully cooperating with the investigation, offering support to employees and the affected families.
This shocking incident has left the Cairns community reeling, casting a somber shadow over the popular tourist destination known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
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