Outback Wrangler Matt Wright speaks out about fatal chopper crash
Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has revealed he flew with his family in the same helicopter that crashed and killed his mate just days later.
NSW
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Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has revealed he flew with his family in the same helicopter that crashed and killed his mate just days later.
Declaring he would never put his family or team at risk, the 43-year-old reality TV personality said he was hurt by assumptions that safety was not his priority, and devastated about the loss of his mate and co-star Chris “Willow” Wilson in the Arnhem Land crash.
“It’s been an extremely tough time on everyone, especially with the birth of Dusty only a couple of weeks ago,” Wright told The Sunday Telegraph, referring to the birth of his second child.
“Obviously, though, it’s hardest on Willow’s family.
“The worst part of all of this is losing Willow.
“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.”
Wilson, 34, was on a job collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of West Arnhem Land in February when he was killed in the crash. Helicopter pilot Sebastian Robinson was flown from the scene with serious injuries.
Wright is accused of perverting the course of justice and destroying evidence following the crash, and also accused of fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses, making a false declaration and two counts of unlawful entry after the helicopter crashed into trees.
The Sunday Telegraph understands Wright has stepped down from his helicopter business Helibrook after strict bail conditions imposed this week mean he cannot contact key people, and as a result a new chief pilot is taking over.
Wright, a horse wrangler, chopper pilot and crocodile trapper, and former soldier, says he is 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, ensuring people get to experience and understand the true and special nature of crocodiles and the Northern Territory,” Wright said.
In Darwin Local Court this week Wright was barred from contacting fellow TV crew members, pilots, major Top End business identities and grieving family members under new bail conditions.
He has been ordered to not approach or contact 50 people directly or indirectly.
The Sunday Telegraph understands CASA, the aviation regulator, has been informed of Wright’s decision to step aside from his helicopter business, and approval for a replacement chief pilot is pending.
All operations are being outsourced until the new chief pilot is in place, meaning bookings and tours will not be impacted.
CASA has been contacted for comment.
Wright is now focusing on “clearing” his name through the courts, and spending time with his wife Kaia, son Banjo and new baby Dusty.
His case will return to court for a preliminary hearing on January 25.
Originally published as Outback Wrangler Matt Wright speaks out about fatal chopper crash
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