Outback Wrangler faces delays in WorkSafe court cases into airboat and helicopter crashes

An Aussie reality television star is fighting off work safety charges after his Top End companies suffered two high profile crashes over just 15 months.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, his wife Kaia Wright and their company Top End Safari Camp have each been charged with failing to comply with their health and safety duty following an airboat crash into a crocodile-habitat in May 2023. Picture: Zizi Averill

A Top End reality television star continues to battle claims he failed to ensure the safety of his employees, customers and his mate following two high profile crashes within 15-months.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, his wife Kaia Wright and their company Top End Safari Camp have each been charged with failing to comply with their health and safety duty following an airboat crash into a crocodile-habitat in May 2023.

WorkSafe has alleged the airboat operated on the Finniss River without any seat belts, life jackets, a lifebuoy, or a first aid kit on-board, the airboat’s radio was not working on the day of the incident and they had exceeded their on-board passenger limits.

It was alleged when the vessel hit a semi-submerged tree, all 13 passengers were thrown from their seats resulting in eight people being injured — including a woman who fractured her skull.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, his wife Kaia Wright and their company Top End Safari Camp have each been charged with failing to comply with their health and safety duty following an airboat crash.

The airboat crash came just 15 months after the death of Outback Wrangler star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson in a chopper crash in February 2022.

Mr Wright and his company Helibrook was charged with failing to comply with his health and safety duty and reckless conduct risking death or injury as a result of the helicopter crash.

NT WorkSafe has alleged Helibrook interfered with the helicopter’s Hobbs Meter — which records flight times — and failed to accurately record the flight times in the Maintenance Release, impacting its regular inspection and maintenance requirements.

On Monday both the airboat and chopper crash work safety court cases were brought before judges at the Darwin Local Court.

The Wrights’ new representative Lyma Nguyen told the court she had only taken over the two WorkSafe matters in April, with the Helibrook case alone containing an 8000-page brief.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, his wife Kaia Wright and their company Top End Safari Camp have each been charged with failing to comply with their health and safety duty following an airboat crash. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Ms Nguyen said she hoped the fatal helicopter crash court case could remain in the local court, however the charge of “reckless conduct” resulting in death meant it still risked being sent to the Supreme Court.

While she requested more time to prepare the Helibrook case, Ms Nguyen and prosecutor Nick Goodfellow told Judge Tanya Fong Lim they were ready to proceed to a five day hearing to debate the airboat crash.

However Ms Fong Lim quickly shut down suggestions of a five day hearing, as the witnesses for cross examination and agreed facts had not been finalised.

“I don’t want to give you five days in this court if this matter goes for 21 days … (or) one day,” Ms Fong Lim said.

“I have a lot of pressure on listings on this court, so to give you five days is incredibly serious.”

Despite Ms Nguyen saying she and the prosecutor had agreed to that timeframe, Ms Fong Lim said she was not convinced and adjourned it to another directions hearing on July 28.

The case involving Mr Wright and Helibrook will return to court on August 13.