COPS are probing a shadowy figure on CCTV as they try and identify the man who stole a helicopter and crashed it into a hotel. The tourist chopper smashed into the roof of the luxury Hilton hotel in Cairns leaving an inferno blazing on top of the building. The 40-year-old pilot, who was the only occupant, died in the shock crash .
Queensland cops are now viewing the "very dark" footage of the theft at the airport it was stolen from, The Australian reported. Two elderly guests were taken to hospital in a stable condition from smoke inhilation. The crash at the Double Tree Hotel happened at around 1.
50am Monday local time. Read more on world news The hotel told The Sun there is no landing pad on the roof and they were finding alternative accommodation for the guests. Acting Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Shane Holmes said it was unknown whether the crash was deliberate or an accident.
But, Holmes said it was thought to be an "isolated incident" and he was not sure whether the pilot had a licence or not. The helicopter had been moved out of a hanger early in the morning, with police now probing how it was taken. Most read in The Sun They have not confirmed the man's identity.
Nautilus Aviation, who owned the craft, said the pilot wasn't theirs and its use had been "unauthorised". They said: "Nautilus Aviation are working closely with Queensland Police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and other authorities as they investigate the unauthorised use of one of our he.