Tweet Facebook Mail The pilot of a helicopter that crashed into a hotel in Cairns was affected by "a significant amount of alcohol" after a night out drinking with friends, an investigation has found. Blake Wilson died when the twin-engine helicopter he was piloting ploughed into the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on August 12. He had been enjoying celebratory drinks with friends before gaining unauthorised access to the chopper, crashing just four minutes into the flight.
READ MORE: Mystery light streaks through Aussie sky early this morning Blake Wilson died in a chopper crash in August. (Supplied) An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released today said Wilson "had a significant blood alcohol content". "The pilot was affected by a significant amount of alcohol before and during the flight," the report reads.
"The pilot further increased risk to themselves and those on the ground by conducting the unauthorised flight well below the 1000 feet allowed for flight over a built-up area." READ MORE: Israel promises 'lethal' and 'surprising' attack on Iran The helicopter caused a fire at the hotel. Wilson was killed in the crash.
(Nine) Damage to a room in the Hilton hotel in Cairns after the crash. (9News) Wilson was employed as a ground handler by Nautilus Aviation. He was a licensed pilot in New Zealand but not accredited in Australia.
Wilson had been socialising with friends at various venues in Cairns before returning to an apartment. He had lat.