Cairns helicopter crash: pilot killed as chopper crashes into roof of DoubleTree by Hilton hotel

Emergency services evacuate hundreds from DoubleTree by Hilton as aircraft owner says flight was unauthorised'

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

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

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

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup