A helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, Australia, on August 12, 2024, at approximately 2:00 AM local time (16:00 GMT, August 11), resulting in the death of the pilot and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of guests. The incident occurred despite the area being a designated no-fly zone, and the flight was unauthorized, according to Nautilus Aviation, the charter company operating the helicopter.The crash caused a fire on the hotel’s roof, prompting the evacuation of approximately 400 people. Emergency services reported that one of the helicopter’s rotor blades fell into the hotel pool, while another landed in the parking area. Two elderly guests, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, were taken to the hospital with minor injuries but were later discharged.Eyewitnesses described the incident as a ‘massive, ear-shattering bang’ similar to a bomb exploding. Verónica Knight, a witness, reported seeing the helicopter flying at full speed before it crashed into the hotel. The impact of the crash and the subsequent fire led to a large hole in the building’s window, as described by hotel guest Alastair Salmon.The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has dispatched investigators to the scene, and local authorities, including the Queensland Police and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, have launched an investigation into the unauthorized use of the aircraft. Nautilus Aviation is cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Key points
- A helicopter crashed into the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, Australia, killing the pilot.
- The flight was unauthorized and occurred in a no-fly zone.
- Approximately 400 people were evacuated, and two elderly guests were briefly hospitalized.
- The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported time of the incident, with some sources stating 1:50 AM and others 2:00 AM.
Additionally, while most sources report two people were taken to the hospital, one source mentions no injuries among people on the ground.
