Helicopter Crash in Cairns Hotel: Pilot Was Intoxicated

An ATSB report reveals the unauthorized flight led to a fatal crash, endangering hundreds in the area.

Blake Wilson, a 23-year-old pilot, crashed a helicopter into the roof of a Cairns hotel after flying under the influence of alcohol.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's investigation found Wilson had taken the helicopter without authorization from Cairns Airport.
The crash resulted in Wilson's death and injuries to two hotel guests, with approximately 400 people evacuated from the hotel.
Wilson, employed by Nautilus Aviation, was not licensed to fly the helicopter at night and had never flown the Robinson R44 model at night before.
The helicopter flew below the minimum height restrictions for urban areas, increasing the risk to people on the ground.