[ad_1]
Authorities were yet to confirm on Monday whether the four-seater helicopter had been stolen from Cairns Airport.
However, the helicopter’s owner, North Queensland charter company Nautilus Aviation, which operates sightseeing tours around Cairns, said on Monday it had not yet been given the go-ahead to fly.
“The aircraft was moved from the general aviation hangar in the early hours of this morning and this was an unauthorised flight,” Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes told reporters.
“We are working with local aviation operators to understand the circumstances that led to the helicopter being taken off the ground.”
The pilot died at the scene and a forensic investigation is underway to formally confirm his identity.
Asked whether the collision was intentional, Holmes said: “It’s not clear at this point, but we’re going to investigate all leads.
“There is no longer a threat to the community and we believe this is an isolated incident.”
Authorities believe the helicopter was not in the air for long but could not comment on its speed, flight plan or whether the pilot had a license.
Knight described how the twin-engine helicopter was travelling at high speed before crashing into the hotel with a “huge explosion”.
“It was like a fuel tank exploded,” she said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau sent accident investigators to the scene on Monday.
“Once we have identified the individuals involved we will begin to look more closely at all the factors that may have led to this development … but it’s still early days,” said Angus Mitchell, the bureau’s chief.
Knight said she saw the helicopter flying in the air for about 15 minutes and flew past her twice “very quickly.”
The Sydney tourist said she had never seen a helicopter fly so fast.
“It came back very quickly and went into the hotel. I was very scared,” she said.
“It’s like a military helicopter, but faster. Like a warplane, like it’s going to come over and bomb you.”
Up to 400 people were evacuated from the hotel and taken to another venue in Cairns city centre following the incident.
Two hotel guests, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, were taken to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition with smoke inhalation.
“I believe they were sleeping and some of the windows may have been affected by the incident,” Holmes said.
“I think it was pure luck that no one else was injured. It could have been a lot worse.”
Police declared a restricted area under the Public Safety Protection Act.
The fire prevented rescue workers from immediately entering the hotel.
Hilton DoubleTree management said all guests and employees were evacuated safely.
“We are actively working to arrange alternative accommodations for these guests tonight,” a statement said.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles described it as a “horrific incident”.
“I can’t imagine how terrifying it would be to hear that loud noise in your sleep and have to evacuate.”
[ad_2]
Source link
