A Robinson R-44 Raven II helicopter registered VH-ERH and owned by Nautilus Aviation Pty Ltd crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, Australia, early Monday morning, killing the pilot and sparking a fire that led to the evacuation of hundreds of guests. The crash occurred around 01:50 local time during an illegal flight, and the pilot, who was the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.
One of the helicopter’s blades fell into the hotel’s pool, while another landed on the nearby esplanade. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital in stable condition. Fortunately, no one on the ground was hurt.
Emergency services quickly responded, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has begun an investigation. Videos shared on social media captured flames on the hotel’s roof, with sirens sounding in the background.
The Nautilus Aviation helicopter was reportedly stolen from Cairns Airport.
Cairns, a popular tourist spot and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, was shaken by the incident.
Helicóptero cai no telhado do Double Tree Hotel by Hilton em Cairns, Austrália
? @CanalEronews pic.twitter.com/FepepsFJGK
— Carlos Salas (@CarlosS08594935) August 11, 2024
Around 400 people have been evacuated from a Cairns hotel after a helicopter crashed into its roof and erupted into flames.
The crash happened just before 2am at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, with police declaring an exclusion zone around the scene that remains in place this… pic.twitter.com/4PYWFAAkvR
— 10 News First Queensland (@10NewsFirstQLD) August 11, 2024
A helicopter has crashed into the roof of Cairns DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Far North Queensland pic.twitter.com/QIANg9ZXcN
— Clown Down Under ? (@clowndownunder) August 12, 2024
