A pilot who died after crashing a stolen helicopter into a Cairns hotel had attended a farewell party with colleagues the night before, the pilot’s employer has confirmed.
The deceased individual was employed by Nautilus Aviation, a Queensland-based helicopter tour company.
The company revealed that the pilot had been celebrating a recent promotion at a private gathering with colleagues, including off-duty pilots, prior to the fatal incident.
Nautilus emphasized that the event was not a work function but a social gathering organized by friends.
Tragically, the pilot later gained unauthorized access to the company’s helicopter hangar, where they stole the aircraft.
The helicopter subsequently crashed into the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the early hours of Monday morning, resulting in a fire that forced the evacuation of approximately 400 guests.
The pilot was the sole fatality in the crash, while two hotel guests suffered minor injuries and were treated in hospital. Eyewitnesses described seeing the helicopter flying erratically at low altitude before the collision.
Nautilus Aviation has expressed deep sorrow for the loss of their employee and extended condolences to the pilot’s family. The company is fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is leading the investigation into the crash, with Queensland Police also involved.
