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What happened before crash that killed Outback Wrangler star
Chopper tragedy
Territorians were rocked by the death of Outback Wrangler crew member Chris Wilson in a West Arnhem chopper crash earlier this year.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released its preliminary investigation into the fatal incident.This is what they found.
The February 28 crash near King River, which also left pilot Sebastian Robinson with life-threatening injuries, happened during crocodile egg collection.
Mr Wilson and Mr Robinson were in one of three helicopters that left Noonamah at 7am to begin collecting the eggs.
The three choppers flew together along the King River for 90 minutes before they separated and Mr Wilson and Mr Robinson began collecting near the first staging area.
At the time, Mr Wilson was harnessed to a 30m line, allowing him to be slung below the chopper to access the nests.
When no radio communication was received from the chopper for more than an hour, one of the other crews turned back to check on them.
Soon after, the returning crew discovered the crash scene only 300m from where the three choppers had originally separated. Mr Wilson’s body was found 40m from the impact site.
The ATSB believes the crash happened at around 9am, with initial investigations indicating the engine stopped before the helicopter hit the ground.
Initial findings found there were no defects in the engine likely to result in its stoppage. The chopper's two fuel bladders were also intact.
Mr Wilson was well known in the Top End as a cast member of National Geographic's Outback Wrangler, an adventure show set in the NT that centres on the life and work of Matt Wright.
The husband and father of two was farewelled at an emotional service at Darwin Convention Centre, where he was remembered as an “adventurer” and “loving soul” .
Words: Zizi Averill Producer: Andrew Piva																																								

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/web-stories/free/nt-news/chris-wilson-early-findings-released-after-fatal-nt-chopper-crash