Helicopter Smashes into Hotel in Queensland, Killing Pilot

A pilot was killed after a helicopter crashed into the roof of a hotel in Cairns, Queensland, during an “unauthorised flight”, on August 12.

According to Queensland police, emergency services were called to DoubleTree hotel at around 1:50 am after receiving reports of a helicopter colliding with the roof of a hotel.

“The pilot and single occupant of the aircraft was located and declared deceased at the scene,” police said. “Forensic investigations are underway to formally identify them.”

The crash sparked a fire on top of the hotel, and the building was evacuated as a precaution. There were no injuries sustained by people on the ground.

In a statement issued to Storyful, charter company Nautilus Aviation said they were working closely with Queensland police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate the “unauthorised use of one of our helicopters”.

This footage, filmed by Amanda Kay, shows flames and smoke wafting from the roof of the hotel where her and her assistance dog, Epsilon, were staying. Credit: Amanda Kay via Storyful

Video transcript

The hotel is on fire.

We are going to go downstairs.

EPS!

The hotel is on fire.

We are going to go downstairs.

EPS!

The hotel is on fire.

We are going to go downstairs.

EPS!

The hotel is on fire.

We are going to go downstairs.

EPS!

The hotel is on fire.

We are going to go downstairs.

S, the hotel is on fire.

We are going to go downstairs EPS!