A helicopter pilot crashed a stolen aircraft into a waterfront hotel, injuring two guests and prompting a mass evacuation after being airborne for just four minutes.
The man died when the helicopter collided with the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cairns, Far North Queensland, at 1.50am on Monday.
Nearly 400 hotel guests were evacuated, and an elderly couple was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.
Stolen Helicopter on ‘Unauthorised’ Flight Crashes into Roof of Cairns DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Far North Queensland
“The pilot, who has not yet been identified, was alone in the helicopter and died at the scene.”https://t.co/QdZbK2gDb2 pic.twitter.com/OjVYT7dmut
— Earl Jackson (@earljackson1776) August 12, 2024
The man was reportedly a former or current employee of Nautilus Aviation, a private charter company operating from seven bases across Northern Australia, including Cairns.
The Robinson 44 helicopter was taken from the general aviation area at Cairns Airport and flown across the city’s Esplanade, a no-fly zone, before crashing into the hotel.
According to witnesses, the helicopter was flying fast and low before the crash. An aviation expert suggested how the man might have gained access to the aircraft.
Nautilus Aviation CEO Aaron Finn confirmed the helicopter was stolen and that the flight was unauthorised. He mentioned that all of his company’s pilots were safe but couldn’t rule out the involvement of another employee.
Mr Finn noted, “We have many staff, and we can’t identify the person responsible from CCTV footage as it’s very dark.”
Doug Drury, Head of Aviation at CQUniversity, explained that the man might have used a code or climbed over a fence to access the helicopter hangar. He said aviation companies use keypads with codes to restrict access.
Drury added, “Codes are commonly used in airports worldwide. If someone worked there before, they’d know how to access the area.”
He mentioned that Cairns Airport likely updated all access codes and would review security footage to determine how the person got in and started the aircraft.
Drury also noted that the crash would prompt national and international airports to reassess airside security.
Police confirmed the pilot was alone in the helicopter and was declared dead at the scene. An investigation is underway to identify the man and determine the crash circumstances.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation focusing on the events leading to the crash. Cairns Airport general manager Richard Barker confirmed their assistance with the investigations.
The crash ignited a massive fire on the hotel’s roof, leading to the evacuation of around 400 guests and staff. Emergency services moved the crowd to a safe area, fearing an explosion.
Queensland Police declared a Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) and established an exclusion zone around Esplanade, Minnie Street, Aplin Street, and Grafton Street.
Debris from the crash spread up to 80 metres from the site, with two rotor blades dislodged. One blade landed in the hotel pool, and the other on the Cairns Esplanade.
Queensland Ambulance Service Far Northern Region senior operations supervisor Caitlin Dennings reported that residents compared the crash sound to a bomb explosion.
Veronica, who witnessed the crash, told 2GB she saw the helicopter fly “full force” into the building and then explode.
Terrifying footage from a tourist showed the roof engulfed in massive red and orange flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the top of the hotel.
One woman was heard saying, “The whole building is on fire,” as flames spread inside the bottom floor of the hotel.
An 83-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman were taken to Cairns Hospital in stable condition after being assessed by paramedics.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cairns?
A stolen helicopter crashed into the hotel, injuring two guests and causing a mass evacuation.
Who was the pilot of the crashed helicopter?
The pilot, who died in the crash, is believed to have been a current or former employee of Nautilus Aviation.
How did the pilot gain access to the helicopter?
The pilot may have used a code or climbed over a fence to access the aircraft.
What type of helicopter was involved in the crash?
The helicopter was a Robinson 44, owned by Nautilus Aviation.
What actions are being taken after the crash?
Investigations by police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are ongoing to determine the crash circumstances.