The pilot who crashed into a Queensland hotel roof has been identified as 23-year-old Blake Wilson, who trained as a helicopter pilot in Christchurch.
Cairns-based Nautilus Aviation chief executive Aaron Finn said that a member of the company’s ground crew misappropriated a helicopter following a staff celebration to mark his promotion.
Wilson flew for several minutes from Cairns Airport into the no-fly zone over the CBD, before crashing into the roof of the DoubleTree hotel at 2 AM on Monday.
Wilson, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene.
He held a New Zealand commercial helicopter licence but was not authorised to fly in Australia.
He graduated from Christchurch Helicopters in 2022.
Blake passing his commercial flight test, in September 2022. Supplied
In March, Wilson posted on Instagram about how excited he was for his next adventure in Far North Queensland.
“I’m very proud to announce that I’m officially a Commercial Helicopter Pilot. It was a busy 18 months of hard mahi, late nights in the books, and some challenging days in the seat, but overall, an incredible experience,” he captioned the post.
“Big thanks to Christchurch Helicopters for giving me the opportunity and tools to launch into the start of my career. Also, my friends, family, and others who have supported me and helped me fulfil this dream. It’s the closure of the first chapter in this adventure, and I look forward to many more.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it was investigating the crash involving a Robinson R44 II.
(Brian Cassey/AAP Image via AP)
“During a flight at about 0154, the helicopter collided with a hotel building, and the sole occupant was fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and a fire.”
The ATSB has deployed a team of three Brisbane-based transport safety investigators with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance.
