A tragic incident occurred at a holiday hotspot in Australia when a stolen helicopter crashed into the roof of a hotel, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident took place at around 2 am local time in Cairns, causing a massive fire on the roof of the Double Tree by Hilton hotel. Shocking footage captured the intense flames as hotel guests were forced to evacuate the building.
The pilot, who was found dead at the scene, is currently undergoing formal identification by the Queensland Police. It has been confirmed by the helicopter’s owner that the aircraft was stolen and taken on an unauthorized flight. The helicopter crashed after two of its rotor blades detached, falling onto the esplanade and into a nearby pool. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the ground.
Nautilus Aviation, the charter company to which the helicopter belonged, stated that the use of the aircraft was unauthorized. The company’s CEO, Aaron Finn, mentioned that all their pilots have been located and accounted for. They are now cooperating with the authorities to investigate the unauthorized use of their helicopter.
Debris from the crash scattered into the pool and surrounding area, causing further damage. The Queensland Police Service Acting Chief Superintendent, Shane Holmes, refrained from commenting on the speed of the helicopter or the pilot’s licensing status. However, he did confirm that the flight was unauthorized and originated from a general aviation hangar.
Following the crash, two hotel guests, an elderly man, and a woman, were taken to a local hospital in stable condition and have since been discharged. The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to the stolen helicopter crashing into the hotel.
This devastating event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with unauthorized use of aircraft and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. It also highlights the swift response of emergency services and hotel staff in ensuring the safety of all guests and residents in the vicinity. The impact of such incidents goes beyond the physical damage caused, affecting the lives of those involved and their loved ones.
