Pilot killed in hotel helicopter crash 'not authorised' for flight

The owner of a helicopter that crashed into the roof of a large hotel in the city of Cairns in Australia, killing its pilot, says the flight was "unauthorised".

- Emily Wind , Ben Smee

Queensland ambulance service said emergency crews were called to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on the Esplanade, by the city's main waterfront, about 1.50am yesterday. Hundreds of people were evacuated.

A spokesperson confirmed that two of the twin-engine helicopter's propellers came off and landed on the street and in the hotel pool.

Queensland police said the pilot died at the scene and forensic investigations were under way to formally identify him. The pilot was the only occupant of the aircraft.

The North Queensland charter company Nautilus Aviation, which runs scenic tours from nearby, said in a statement: "Nautilus Aviation are working closely with the Queensland police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and other authorities as they investigate the unauthorised use of one of our helicopters in the early hours of this morning."