Remote Helicopters Australia Mick Burbidge makes bail plea during fatal chopper crash investigation

The first people at the scene of the horrific chopper crash that killed Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson have been named in court, as police investigate an alleged cover-up.

A remote helicopter company owner was in a “matrix” of people in an alleged conspiracy to destroy evidence from a fatal chopper crash, a court has heard.

Remote Helicopters Australia director and chief pilot Michael Keith Burbidge held his wife’s hand as he walked into Darwin Local Court on Wednesday.

Prosecutors alleged the 44-year old attempted to pervert the course of justice, destroyed evidence, made a false declaration and fabricated evidence following the death of Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.

The 34-year-old’s body was found 40m from the wreckage of a Robinson R44 near the King River, West Arnhem on February 28.

Remote Helicopter pilot Michael Keith Burbidge with wife Jade Burbidge leave Darwin Local Court. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The Outback Wrangler star and father was killed in a helicopter crash on an ill-fated crocodile egg collecting mission. His 28-year-old pilot, Sebastian Robinson was critically injured.

On Wednesday, Burbidge appeared for the first time before Judge Ben O’Loughlin accused of conspiring to cover up elements of the crash.

“We’re not saying Mr Burbidge is the main player, or indeed a central player,” prosecutor Steve Ledek said.

“But he is part of an overall matrix of individuals who have come together to obfuscate and to impede the proper investigation into the circumstances of that fatality.”

Burbidge made an application to vary his bail to allow him to leave the Territory.

Defence barrister Paul Crean said Burbidge often worked with interstate operators, who required his unique skills as a remote helicopter pilot.

The court heard the pilot was highly-valued in the industry for his crocodile egg collecting, and had had previously been contacted by NT Police for remote rescues and other services.

Mr Ledek said the crown did not want to “stymie” Burbidge’s business operations, but held concerns that he would contact people connected to the investigation.

The court heard under his current bail conditions, Burbidge was barred from contacting Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright, pilots Jock Purcell and Morgan Vilder, Tim Johnston, and former police officer Neil Mellon.

Former NT Police Watch Commander Neil Mellon was awarded Australian Police Medal in 2019. In 2022 he was alleged to have interfered with an investigation. Picture: Justin Kennedy

Mr Ledek successfully applied for three others to be added to the non-contact order: Matt Wright’s wife Kayia Wright, Jai Tomlinson and Nick Fordham.

However, he failed in an attempt to block Burbidge from contacting the ‘crocodile king’ and Australia’s largest saltwater croc farmer Mick Burns, pilot Ty Richardson, Tim Luck, and David Hannon.

“(They were) all inextricably linked to the events of that day,” Mr Ledek said.

He said Mr Luck and Mr Richardson were in one of the three choppers and among the first to land at the crash during the ill-fated egg collecting trip.

The court heard Mr Burns was also at the crash site in February.

“They saw certain things, they are witnesses to some of the events that Mr Burbidge has engaged in,” Mr Ledek said.

Chris “Willow” Wilson died in a helicopter crash in the Northern Territory on February 28. 2022

There was no allegation anyone named in the non-contact order had committed an offence, with the exception of alleged co-accused Mellon.

Mellon was charged with 35 offences, including perverting the course of justice, destroying evidence, as well as wildlife, fireworks and firearms offences.

Mr Ledek said given the conspiracy charges and “large volume of persons of interest” more was needed to prevent any contamination of evidence or witness statements.

“It’s not necessarily about his desire to speak with them, it’s about those people who may contact him,” Mr Ledek said.

“The stakes are very high when we come to something connected to a very serious incident, that is more or less associated with the death or fatality in a helicopter crash. “

Remote Helicopter pilot Michael Keith Burbidge leaves Darwin Local Court. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

However, Mr Crean said Burbidge’s work meant he had ongoing business to the four men, particularly Mr Burns in the lead up to crocodile egg collecting season.

“Preventing him from dealing with these people, it’s seriously impacting his ability to conduct his business,” Mr Crean said.

Prosecutors also asked for Burbidge to give police or prosecutors 48 hours notice before leaving and his estimated return times, but this was opposed by Mr Crean.

Mr Ledek argued many witnesses and people connected to the alleged offences were now interstate, particularly in Queensland.

Judge Ben O’Loughlin varied Burbidge’s bail so that he could travel interstate, and added three people to his non-contact orders.

Burbidge is due to return to Darwin Local Court on November 23 for a preliminary examination mention.

Originally published as Remote Helicopters Australia Mick Burbidge makes bail plea during fatal chopper crash investigation