Cairns Helicopter Crash Investigation Continues

A helicopter crash in Cairns early Monday morning has left a lot of questions unanswered. The pilot, identified as Blake Wilson, who was part of the ground crew for Nautilus Aviation, tragically lost his life in the incident. Two hotel guests were injured when the helicopter crashed into the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

Authorities believe that the helicopter was taken without permission from Cairns Airport and flew into a no-fly zone above the city center. Blake Wilson had been with Nautilus Aviation for about four months. Although he held a New Zealand pilot’s license, he had never flown in Australia and was not authorized to operate the company’s helicopters.

The crash took place shortly after a private send-off party for Wilson, who had recently been promoted within the company. Nautilus Aviation has confirmed their full cooperation with investigations conducted by the police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles remarked that it’s too soon to determine if a broader airport security review is necessary. He acknowledged that specific arrangements at Cairns Airport might need evaluation.

Dr. John Coyne from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute highlighted that even if this incident isn’t linked to terrorism, it provides an opportunity for aviation companies to reassess their security protocols. He suggested that all aviation companies should evaluate their risk management and security procedures after such incidents.

Meanwhile, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s chief commissioner, Angus Mitchell, noted that the situation could have been worse, given how the rotor blades struck the hotel’s upper floors. Fortunately, the hotel was nearly full, but guests were evacuated safely.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are looking into how the helicopter was accessed and whether any negligence or theft was involved in this tragic event. Witnesses described the helicopter as fast and loud, raising concerns about its operation.