A helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns at approximately 1:50 AM, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuries to two guests who were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Emergency services evacuated between 300 to 400 guests as flames engulfed the hotel's roof, with eyewitnesses describing the incident as terrifying and explosive. Notably, the helicopter was reportedly unauthorized for flight, raising concerns that it may have been stolen, as confirmed by the operator Nautilus Aviation. The pilot, a man in his 40s, was declared dead at the scene, while an 83-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman were treated and reported in stable condition. Authorities quickly established an exclusion zone around the area, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has dispatched investigators to ascertain the cause of the crash. Footage from the scene showed significant fire and smoke, prompting a swift response from emergency crews.