Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright speaks out about fatal chopper crash

Reality TV star Matt Wright has revealed he flew with his young family in the same helicopter that killed his friend and co-star just days later.

Reality television star Matt Wright has revealed he flew with his young family in the same helicopter that crashed and killed his friend and co-star just days later.

The Outback Wrangler personality faces seven charges in relation to an alleged conspiracy surrounding the fatal February 28 chopper crash that claimed Chris “Willow” Wilson’s life and left a second man badly injured.

The charges include perverting the course of justice and destroying evidence following the crash, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses, making a false declaration and two counts of unlawful entry after the helicopter crashed into trees.

In a statement provided to NCA NewsWire this week, Wright “strenuously” denied any wrongdoing.

In a new interview with The Sunday Telegraph, the 43-year-old declared he would never put his family or team at risk, adding he was hurt by assumptions that safety was not his top priority.

Matt Wright with his wife Kaia and son Banjo.

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright attends Darwin Local Court. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“It’s been an extremely tough time on everyone … Obviously, though, it’s hardest on Willow’s family. The worst part of all of this is losing Willow,” the Netflix star said.

“It’s also difficult to see it being made out that safety isn’t a priority for us.

“I flew on that same helicopter with my family only days before. I would never put my team or my family in danger.”

Wright, who The Sunday Telegraph reports has stepped down from his helicopter business after strict bail conditions imposed this week mean he cannot contact key people, said he was determined to return to the tour operating business that launched his TV career.

“I look forward to clearing my name and returning to doing what I love best,” he said.

“Ensuring people get to experience and understand the true and special nature of crocodiles and the Northern Territory.”

Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson was killed in a helicopter crash while collecting crocodile eggs in West Arnhem Land.

Mr Wilson with this family.

Mr Wilson, who also starred in Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory, was collecting crocodile eggs in West Arnhem Land when his helicopter – flown by pilot Sebastian Robinson – crashed, killing him and badly injuring Robinson.

The helicopter was operated by Wright’s company, Helibrook. After hearing the news in February, Wright flew another chopper out to the crash scene with three other people.

Two of those people – pilot Michael Burbridge and police officer Neil Mellon – have since been charged with a number of offences, including destroying evidence. Both remain before the courts.

“[Wright’s] immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on-board at the time,” his spokesman said in Monday’s statement.

“The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe.

“Matt will not be making any further statement but he will be vigorously defending the charges.”

‘I flew on that same helicopter with my family only days before.’ Picture: Instagram

Wright’s defence barrister told the court Wright was attempting to vary his bail, just more than 12 hours after being released from Palmerston police station.

Prosecutor Victoria Engels said there were six bail amendments which would make his conditions more “onerous”.

This included payment of a security and an own recognisance agreement.

Judge John Neill said the bail was granted.

It is understood his earlier bail conditions included bans on contacting certain people and instructed him to only reside at a particular address.

Wright’s hearing will continue on January 25, for a preliminary examination mention.

– with NCA NewsWire

Originally published as Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright speaks out about fatal chopper crash