Man who crashed helicopter in Australia attended party before taking off

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -

A man who died when the helicopter he was flying crashed onto a hotel roof in Australia was an employee of the aviation company that owned the aircraft, but he did not work as a pilot and had not flown in Australia before, the company said Tuesday.

Nautilus Aviation said in a statement that he was a member of its ground crew and while he held a helicopter pilot's license in New Zealand, he was not authorized to fly the company's helicopters. The man's name was not released to the public.

About 400 people were evacuated from the DoubleTree Hilton in the far north Queensland city of Cairns on Monday morning when the helicopter crashed onto the roof and burst into flames.

The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Two hotel guests were briefly hospitalized for smoke inhalation. No one else on the ground was hurt.

Authorities were investigating how the helicopter was able to take off from Cairns Airport and the man's reason for making the flight, they said in Cairns on Monday. Queensland Police Service Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes said they believed the crash was an isolated incident and there was no ongoing public safety threat.

The man had worked at Nautilus Aviation for four months and had recently been promoted to a ground crew job at another of the company's bases, the company said. Before the crash, the man had attended a social event with colleagues to mark his departure to the new position, it said.

The flight was unauthorized and the helicopter "misappropriated," the company added.

Read more of the latest international headlines

Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said in a statement Tuesday that a review showed "no compromise of our airport fence or access points."

The airport operated under "a federally approved, multi-layered transport security program," Barker said.

The crash happened in a busy tourist district of Cairns, a tropical city of 150,000 people where it is currently peak season for holidaymakers.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety

The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.

Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student

A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'

No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1

What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.

Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store

Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.

Manhunt underway after 5 people injured in Kentucky shooting near Interstate 75, officials say

Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Ky., according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.

'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease

Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.

The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event

Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.

Ruins of a long-sunken Greek village emerge as drought saps a vital reservoir

They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port

It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.

Canada

'They just see these tenants as a profits': Guelph residents fighting back against renoviction

Guelph tenants worry they'll have find a new home after recently receiving N-13 notices from their new apartment owner.
Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store

Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.
Premier says Manitoba grand chief to lie in state at provincial legislature

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will lie in state at the provincial legislature following her sudden death.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease

Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
Devastating Jasper wildfire now listed as under control, Parks Canada says

Nearly seven weeks since a wildfire forced the evacuation of Jasper National Park and burned nearly a third of the townsite's structures, Parks Canada says the blaze is now officially under control.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1

What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.

World

Manhunt underway after 5 people injured in Kentucky shooting near Interstate 75, officials say

Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Ky., according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
Brazil's X ban drives outraged Bolsonaro supporters to rally for 'free speech'

Thousands of supporters of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro flooded Sao Paulo’s main boulevard for an Independence Day rally Saturday, buoyed by the government's blocking of tech billionaire Elon Musk's X platform.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris

With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
21 children are now known to have died in Kenya school fire

The number of children who were burned to death in a school dormitory in central Kenya has risen to 21, the government spokesperson said Saturday.
U.S. navy petty officer demoted after installing Starlink satellite dish on warship to access internet

A U.S. navy chief who wanted the internet so she and other enlisted officers could scroll social media, check sports scores and watch movies while deployed had an unauthorized Starlink satellite dish installed on a warship and lied to her commanding officer to keep it secret, according to investigators.
Ruins of a long-sunken Greek village emerge as drought saps a vital reservoir

Politics

Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?

The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.
Former Bank of Canada governor Carney to speak at Liberal caucus retreat next week

The former governor of the Bank of Canada who has long been touted as a possible Liberal candidate or successor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will give the party some advice on the economy at the Liberal caucus retreat in Nanaimo, B.C. next week.
China launches WTO complaint against Canada over EV, aluminum and steel tariffs

China launched a complaint against Canada at the World Trade Organization on Friday over recently announced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, aluminum and steel.

Health

Nicotine pouches scarce after federal ban restricts sales to pharmacy-only sales

It’s been just over a week since the federal government banned nicotine pouches from being sold anywhere other than a pharmacy.
Woman who was denied a liver transplant, after review highlighted alcohol use, has died

Questions are being raised about the case of a 36-year-old Ontario woman who died of liver failure after she was rejected for a life-saving liver transplant after a medical review highlighted her prior alcohol use.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease

Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.

Sci-Tech

Here's what jobs will survive in the AI boom: Statistics Canada estimates

A recent study by Statistics Canada sheds light on how different occupations may be affected by the AI boom, including those who might lose their jobs in a more automation-driven future.
Two astronauts are left behind in space as Boeing's troubled capsule returns to Earth empty

Boeing's first astronaut mission ended Friday night with an empty capsule landing and two test pilots still in space, left behind until next year because NASA judged their return too risky.
Waterloo, Ont. tech company blacklisted by U.S. Commerce Department over surveillance, spyware allegations

A Waterloo, Ont. tech company is in hot water for allegedly providing technology that can be used for mass surveillance and censorship.

Entertainment

The 33 most anticipated movies of the fall

Here are some of the most anticipated films of this fall, from large to small and everything in between.
Paul Anka says long-in-the-works Broadway musical is still on the horizon

After well over a decade of planning to adapt his life story into a stage musical, the 83-year-old Ottawa-born musician says the concept is finally getting traction.
Ridley Scott rebuilds Rome for 'Gladiator II'

Scott, Hollywood's perpetual rolling stone even at age 86, may be preparing to unveil 'Gladiator II,' one of his biggest epics yet, but at the moment he's got the Bee Gees on the brain. Scott is developing a biopic on the Gibb brothers. On a recent Zoom call from his office in Los Angeles, he was surrounded by meticulously plotted storyboards.

Business

Despite union protest, new hybrid work rules for federal employees kick in Monday

Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions' 'summer of discontent' and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.
Canada Post proposes 25-cent price hike for stamps in 2025

Canada Post is proposing an increase to regulated postage rates next year, bringing the price of most stamps up by 25 cents to $1.24.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'

Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.

Lifestyle

They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port

It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
opinion
opinion What do you need to do in order to retire early?

Financial Independence and Early Retirement (FIRE) is a growing movement for people looking to retire earlier than the traditional age. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew digs into the origins of the FIRE formula and outlines steps to implement it in your life.
She met a man on a rooftop bar on her first night in Paris. Her life changed forever

To Erin Tridle, it felt as though the universe paved the way for her to meet the love of her life years before their actual meeting.

Sports

Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title

Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.
Corey Perry lays the smackdown during a WWE match

The Worm made a guest appearance on WWE's Smackdown at Rogers Place Friday night.
Memorial held for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at their New Jersey high school

An emotional memorial was held Friday for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at their old high school in Gloucester City, New Jersey.

Autos

Police nab driver speeding at nearly 3x the limit in Vancouver school zone

Nearly two-dozen drivers were caught in a speed trap outside a Vancouver elementary school on Thursday – as students were settling back into their daily routines.
Volvo Cars revamps SUV hybrid as it shifts plans away from pure electric

Volvo Cars said on Wednesday that plug-in hybrids would continue to be a critical part of its profit growth plans over the next few years and that it would revamp its XC90 hybrid sports utility vehicle.
Ontario man told his EV needs $33K battery. Software update fixes the problem

An Ontario man said he couldn't believe an electric car he bought three years ago for $20,000 would need a new battery at a cost of more than $33,000.

Major BC Ferries vessel will be out of service for 6 months

One of the vessels that services the busy Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route will be out of commission for about six months after its propeller fell off, according to BC Ferries.
Poo smeared around Victoria tennis courts

Tennis players were in for a nasty surprise at a Victoria park on Friday, when feces were discovered smeared around the courts.
Suspect charged with 2nd-degree murder 1 year after Smithers, B.C., shooting

Mounties in northwestern B.C. say they have arrested the suspect in a fatal shooting almost exactly a year after it occurred.

Toronto

Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student

A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
Peterborough police officer charged with breach of trust, possession of property obtained by crime

A Peterborough police officer has been charged with breach of trust and possession of property obtained by crime.
Driver ran red light before Whitby hit-and-run that left woman with critical injuries: police

A woman is in hospital in life-threatening condition after she was struck in a hit-and-run in Whitby early Saturday morning.

Calgary

Calgary water consumption increases slightly Friday as high temperatures drive up demand

Calgary water consumption ticked up to 505 million litres Friday as sweltering mid-summer temperatures drove up demand.
Memorial held for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at their New Jersey high school

An emotional memorial was held Friday for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at their old high school in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
George Moss Park opens in Ogden, Phase 2 announced

Ottawa

Here's what the latest rate cut means for mortgage holders, home buyers

The Bank of Canada has lowered its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 per cent.
Garage fire displaces two adults in Orleans

Ottawa Fire Services says two adults have been displaced following a fire that started in the garage of their home in Orleans Friday evening.
Ottawa canoeist Brianna Hennessy wins Paralympic silver medal

Canadian para canoeist Brianna Hennessy raced to her first Paralympic medal with a reminder of her mother on her paddle.

Montreal

Former NHLer and addict Brandon Reid's new goal is to help others beat addiction

Brandon Reid was a promising NHLer for the Vancouver Canucks, but his struggles with addiction almost killed him. He now trains other addicts as they fight to stay sober.
Teen killed on e-scooter near Montreal park honoured, calls for more safety measures

Family and community members gathered in Montreal's Cartierville neighbourhood on Saturday to pay respects to a 14-year-old boy who was killed while riding a scooter in the summer.
Petition calls for service dog subsidy for those with autism in Quebec

A petition has garnered more than 10,000 signatures calling for the Quebec subsidy for service dogs to be extended to those with autism.

Edmonton

Devastating Jasper wildfire now listed as under control, Parks Canada says

Nearly seven weeks since a wildfire forced the evacuation of Jasper National Park and burned nearly a third of the townsite's structures, Parks Canada says the blaze is now officially under control.
1 dead, 1 injured after truck and SUV crash head-on near Sedgewick

A woman is dead and a man is in hospital after an SUV and a pick-up truck crashed on Highway 13 near Sedgewick on Friday.
'So many questions and no answers': Family of man killed by police launches lawsuit against EPS

The family of a man shot and killed by police have launched a $1 million lawsuit against the Edmonton Police Service, the police chief and four officers.

Atlantic

N.S. RCMP issues formal apology to African Nova Scotians for historic use of street checks

The Nova Scotia RCMP has issued a formal apology to African Nova Scotians and people of African descent for the historic use of street checks and other harmful interactions.
Flooding repairs at Cape Breton Regional Hospital expected to take five months

The Nova Scotia Health Authority has released more information about the significant flooding at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on August 25.
Here's what jobs will survive in the AI boom: Statistics Canada estimates

A recent study by Statistics Canada sheds light on how different occupations may be affected by the AI boom, including those who might lose their jobs in a more automation-driven future.

Winnipeg

Premier says Manitoba grand chief to lie in state at provincial legislature

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will lie in state at the provincial legislature following her sudden death.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers down Saskatchewan Roughriders 26-21

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 26-21 on Saturday, marking the team's fifth-straight victory and fifth Banjo Bowl win in a row.
Corn maze craze: Where to get lost this fall

Corn maze season has officially begun throughout Manitoba – a sign that fall is just around the corner.

Regina

Mural showcasing diversity and youth unveiled in North Central community

The North Central Community Association has partnered with the Rainbow Youth Centre on a new mural in the heart of North Central.
'Sacredness': Medicine wheel in healing garden dedicated to local elder

A local elder was honoured at Westminster United Church on Saturday by having a medicine wheel dedicated to her.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers down Saskatchewan Roughriders 26-21

The victory moved the Bombers into top spot in the CFL's West Division, while the Roughriders remain in third after failing to win for a seventh straight outing.

Kitchener

Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store

Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.
'They just see these tenants as a profits': Guelph residents fighting back against renoviction

Guelph tenants worry they'll have find a new home after recently receiving N-13 notices from their new apartment owner.
Some operators losing provincial funding after opting out of $10-a-day child care program

Child care centres that decided not to participate in the national $10-a-day program will soon lose some of their provincial funding.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon Public Schools offers counselling support after student set on fire at high school

In the wake of the tragic incident of setting a student on fire at Evan Hardy Collegiate, Saskatoon Public Schools announced that it is providing counselling services to students and staff affected by the event.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers down Saskatchewan Roughriders 26-21

The victory moved the Bombers into top spot in the CFL's West Division, while the Roughriders remain in third after failing to win for a seventh straight outing.
'Its a signature event': Broadway street fair returns to Saskatoon

Broadway avenue was alive with the bustle of Saskatoon residents enjoying their weekend. The street was closed off and turned into a pedestrian walkway for a massive street festival that saw thousands of participants.

Northern Ontario

Despite union protest, new hybrid work rules for federal employees kick in Monday

Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions' 'summer of discontent' and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.
Sudbury OPP officer pleads guilty to stealing evidence during moose hunt investigation

A veteran staff sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police in Sudbury has been sentenced for stealing two items from a First Nations man and hiding what he did while his fellow officers searched for them.
Fentanyl-laced gummies discovered in Hamilton: police

Hamilton Police are warning locals of the discovery of fentanyl-laced gummies 'disguised as candy,' after finding them during a recent warrant.

London

‘Proactive enforcement’: City of London housing blitz aims at helping tenants address issues with landlords

The City of London’s municipal enforcement team spent Saturday at 700 units on Kipps Lane, helping tenants address property standards issues.
Strathroy-Caradoc police searching for robbery, stabbing suspects

The Strathroy-Caradoc police are investigating a robbery and stabbing following an incident early Saturday morning.
Trial against former Woodstock mayor, Trevor Birtch, continues

The trial of former Woodstock mayor, Trevor Birtch, continued on Friday.

Barrie

3-car crash in Midland

Three vehicles were involved in a crash on Bayshore Drive near Frank Street in Midland on Saturday.
Alleged sexual assault under investigation

Officers from Southern Georgian OPP are investigating an alleged overnight sexual assault incident in Midland last weekend.
Parkinson's 'SuperWalk' raises more than $30K

The 35th annual Parkinson Canada 'SuperWalk' in Barrie on Saturday raised more than $30,000 to support Parkinson's Disease research.

Windsor

Two knives said to be involved in Friday’s fatal police-involved shooting: SIU

The Special Investigations Unit’s (SIU) forensic investigators remain on scene Saturday afternoon following Friday’s fatal shooting involving a Windsor police officer.
VIDEO
VIDEO Has Walkerville become the 'new downtown' of Windsor? These residents say yes

Citing a vibrant business and dining scene, more active streets and a perception of greater safety, residents at a new event in Walkerville say the neighborhood has become Windsor's "new downtown," outshining the traditional core as the city's most desirable place to be — day or night.
Chatham-Kent police remind drivers to watch for deer

Chatham-Kent police are reminding drivers to watch for deer while out on the roads, especially at dusk and dawn.

Vancouver Island

Poo smeared around Victoria tennis courts

Tennis players were in for a nasty surprise at a Victoria park on Friday, when feces were discovered smeared around the courts.
Major BC Ferries vessel will be out of service for 6 months

One of the vessels that services the busy Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route will be out of commission for about six months after its propeller fell off, according to BC Ferries.
Man carrying handgun and nearly $30K in cash arrested in Victoria, police say

Police in Victoria say they arrested a man they found in possession of a loaded handgun and more than $29,000 worth of cash earlier this week.

Kelowna

Suspect charged with 2nd-degree murder 1 year after Smithers, B.C., shooting

Mounties in northwestern B.C. say they have arrested the suspect in a fatal shooting almost exactly a year after it occurred.
Charges laid in hit-and-run that killed Kelowna teen

A man has now been charged for his alleged role in a hit-and-run that killed a teenager in Kelowna, B.C., last fall.
Have you seen Lulu? Kelowna RCMP searching for stolen puppy

Mounties in Kelowna are appealing to the public for help reuniting a stolen puppy named Lulu with its owner.

Lethbridge

Nicotine pouches scarce after federal ban restricts sales to pharmacy-only sales

It’s been just over a week since the federal government banned nicotine pouches from being sold anywhere other than a pharmacy.
City of Lethbridge releases more inclusive welcoming land acknowledgment

A more inclusive and welcoming land acknowledgment has been released by the City of Lethbridge.
Free stuff: Reuse Rendezvous returns to Lethbridge Saturday

Those looking to do some de-cluttering ahead of the fall can put their unwanted items on their front lawn for the annual Reuse Rendezvous this weekend.

Sault Ste. Marie

Robinson Huron Treaty Of 1850 Gathering starts Sunday in Greater Sudbury

The Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 Gathering 2024 will take place in Greater Sudbury at the Anderson Farm Museum on Sept. 8 and 9.
After nearly running out, Sault foodbank receives a tonne of pasta from the community

A pasta shortage in Sault Ste. Marie is almost never the case, but for one local food bank, the common carb was a rare sight just a few weeks ago.
Sault suspect accused of posing as a teacher, threatened child to send intimate images

A 41-year-old resident of the Sault is accused of posing as a teacher from Wasaga Beach and threatening a child from a nearby community into sending intimate images of themselves.

N.L.

Dispute over unrecognized Inuit group halts major conference for Canadian North

A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.
Cow cuddling: Why a Newfoundland farm is offering quality time with these 'gentle creatures'

Jim Lester’s farm hopped on the cow-cuddling trend in early August, and his time slots have been pretty well sold out ever since.
Newly reinstated Newfoundland cod fishery temporarily paused as landings hit limit

The federal government has temporarily paused parts of the newly reinstated commercial northern cod fishery off the east coast of Newfoundland as landings approach the seasonal limit.

Man who crashed helicopter in Australia attended party before taking off

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion | What do you need to do in order to retire early?

VIDEO | Has Walkerville become the 'new downtown' of Windsor? These residents say yes

opinion What do you need to do in order to retire early?

VIDEO Has Walkerville become the 'new downtown' of Windsor? These residents say yes