2 weeks Ago By 9News
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 later left his room and headed to his employer's hangar before getting behind the controls of one of the operator's R44 helicopters. READ MORE: Deputy PM's chief of staff alleges she was ousted from job after complaining about bullying Wilson was a licensed pilot in New Zealand.
(Supplied) The ATSB concluded the flight was "an unauthorised but purposeful act" but could not determine the reason why Wilson had conducted the flight. "For reasons unknown, pilot actions resulted in a collision with a building while conducting an unauthorised and unnecessary flight, while affected by alcohol, late at night and at low heights over a built-up area, and without night flying endorsements," the report said. FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, celebrity and sport via our WhatsApp channel.
No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details..
