10 News Cairns – Cairns Helicopter Crash: Expert Highlights Security Concerns and Insider Knowledge – August 13, 2024

Stacey Eldridge (00:00):
News update. As the shell of the stolen chopper is removed from the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton on the Cairns Esplanade after the aircraft crashed into the roof, killing the pilot and causing a mass evacuation. Unanswered questions are lingering about how it was stolen. With experts thinking someone with insider knowledge of Cairns Airport could have been involved. Aviation law expert Peter Carter says, “Gaining unauthorized access to the chopper would’ve been a feat in itself, considering the tight security measures to access the hangar, which is only known to employees.” He added, “The person would’ve also had to access the keys for the aircraft.” Over 470 people were evacuated from the hotel after the crash. The pilot is yet to be formally identified, and investigations are continuing.