The pilot who survived last year's fatal helicopter crash on the Gold Coast has died after a battle with cancer.
Michael James, 53, was hailed as a hero after he guided his badly damaged aircraft to land safely on a sandbank following the mid-air collision with another helicopter in January last year.
Four people were killed in the crash and nine people were injured — three of them critically.
Kiwi tourists Elmarie Steenberg, Riaan Steenberg, Edward Stewart and Marle Stewart were also injured in the crash.
James was seen immediately after the crash pulling people from the wreckage before he received treatment for his own injuries.
One of the surviving passengers told 1News at the time: "Our pilot, Michael James, you are our hero."
A report found James "did not recall" the other pilot making a standard taxiing call to say he was taking off before the two helicopters collided and crashed.
A source told 7 News he died on May 24.
He is survived by his wife and was farewelled in a private funeral on June 4.
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