Emergency services responded to the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton around 1:50 a.m. local time after reports that a twin-engine helicopter had crashed onto the roof.
The pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, was pronounced dead at the scene. Forensic investigators are working to formally identify him, according to police.
The helicopter’s owner, Nautilus Aviation, has stated that the flight was “unauthorized.”
In a statement to ABC, the company said, “Nautilus Aviation is collaborating with Queensland Police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, and other authorities to investigate the unauthorized use of our helicopter this morning. We will not be making further comments at this time as we support the ongoing investigation.”
Reports from The Courier-Mail indicated that no flight plan had been filed. Witness Veronica Knight described the helicopter as moving at an extremely high speed before crashing into the hotel.
The crash resulted in a fire on the hotel’s roof, prompting the evacuation of up to 400 guests. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to those on the ground.
