Matt Wright ‘strenuously denies’ allegations as tourist photo details emerge
Tourists’ photographs and videos played a crucial role in helping police secure a warrant for the arrest of Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, it can be revealed.
Northern Territory
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Tourists’ photographs and videos played a crucial role in helping police secure a warrant for the arrest of Outback Wrangler Matt Wright.
Mr Wright, 43, has been given until 9am on Wednesday to hand himself in to police in Darwin where he is expected to be charged with serious offences relating to a February 28 chopper crash that killed his best mate Chris “Willow” Wilson.
Mr Wright has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and says he will vigorously defend the charges against him.
Police will allege Mr Wright regularly disconnected the hours meter in the chopper involved in the crash and other helicopters operated by his company Helibrook.
Last month, police called for tourists who had flown in the helicopter with the call sign VH-IDW to come forward if they had any photographs or video.
The chopper was used for scenic flights as well as crocodile egg harvesting.
Sky News understands at least three tourists provided photographs and video police will use to allege the helicopter was in use on days when the Civil Aviation Safety Authority had been informed it was out of service.
Police will present evidence of a photograph taken by a woman on April 10 last year of the helicopter taking off from Mr Wright’s Top End Safari Camp.
They will allege that documents provided to police by CASA indicate the helicopter was not recorded as flying on that day.
Another woman provided photographs of her daughter with two Helibrook pilots with crates of crocodile eggs being removed from the helicopter last December.
Police will allege the information did not match with records provided to CASA.
A video was provided to police of the helicopter taking off from the Top End Safari Camp on January 7.
Police will again allege the CASA records showed the chopper was not in use on that day.
Helicopter operators are required to record the operating hours of choppers to ensure their safe operation and to schedule maintenance including 50-hour and 100-hour services.
A Robinson R44 helicopter - such as the one involved in the crash - must be overhauled at 2200 hours or 12 years’ service, at an estimated cost of $400,000.
Video: Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright looks anxious as he walks through the Sydney domestic airport terminal before boarding his flight to Darwin.
— Liam Mendes (@liammendes) November 28, 2022
He is expected to face serious charges related to the February chopper crash that killed cast member Chris “Willow†Wilson. pic.twitter.com/o8HGgf7N1B
The Australian newspaper has previously reported the helicopter involved in the February 28 crash underwent a 100-hour service just three weeks before the crash and was deemed safe to operate.
“Two days before the accident, Matt and his family flew in the same helicopter,” Mr Wright’s spokesman told the newspaper on November 7.
“There is no way Matt would put his team or his family in danger. Matt’s priority has always been the safety of his team and his helicopters.”
Police have also been provided video footage of an incident involving a different chopper operated by Helibrook on August 30, 2020.
Three tourists were in the helicopter with the call sign VH-XHB when it attempted to land to refuel after taking off for a scenic flight from the Top End Safari Camp.
Police will allege an alarm sounded before the chopper fell about 10 metres and made a hard landing.
Police will allege Mr Wright was informed one of the tourists had taken a video of the incident.
After viewing the footage, it will be alleged Mr Wright asked the tourist not to share the footage with anyone, before providing the passengers involved in the incident with free alcohol and refreshments.
Police will allege Mr Wright’s company subsequently made a report to CASA regarding the incident where it was falsely declared there were no passengers on board.
It will be alleged the false report meant CASA and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau did not investigate the incident to the same level it would have if it had been known there were passengers on board.
Police expect to charge Mr Wright with offences including perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and unlawful entry.
In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesman for Wright said: “Matt strenuously denies any wrongdoing. What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate.
“Matt will not be making any further statement but he will be vigorously defending the charges.”
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