Arrest warrant issued for Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright

Celebrity croc-wrangler Matt Wright is facing charges relating to the chopper crash that killed cast member Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.

Matt Wright, the Outback Wrangler.

Northern Territory Police have issued an arrest warrant for Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright.

The celebrity croc-wrangler, who recently relocated to the Gold Coast, must present himself to the Darwin Police Station at 9am Wednesday, where he will face a number of charges relating to the fatal February chopper crash that killed fellow cast member Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.

NT Police expect to charge the 43-year-old with several offences including perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and unlawful entry.

The reality television star, tourism operator and powerful influencer will be the third person to be arrested since August in relation to the helicopter crash at West Arnhem Land on the last day of Darwin’s wet season.

Chris Wilson.

If Mr Wright does not present at the Darwin Police Station on Wednesday, he will be extradited from Queensland where he is now based with his wife Kaia and their two children.

Wilson – a cast member of National Geographic’s reality television show Outback Wrangler – was killed when the Robinson R44 helicopter he was dangling from crashed on the King River in a remote part of West Arnhem Land.

He had been strapped into a harness attached to a 30-metre-long line to collect crocodile eggs when the chopper collided with terrain about 30km south of South Goulburn Island.

The 34-year-old – who also features in Channel Nine’s new series Matt Wright’s Wild Territory – left behind his wife Danielle and two young sons.

A spokesperson for Matt Wright said Mr Wright strenuously denies any wrongdoing.

“What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” the spokesperson said.

Remote helicopter pilot Michael Keith Burbidge leaves Darwin Local Court. Picture: Amanda Parkinson

“His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on board at the time.

“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.”

It comes after NT Police, in recent months, charged two of Wright’s friends – helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge and former NT Police officer Neil Mellon – in relation to the investigation into the fatal crash.

The Australian previously revealed that Mr Wright, Mr Burbidge, Mr Mellon and another friend – Darwin publican Mick Burns – flew to the crash scene immediately after the downed chopper was discovered mid-morning on February 28.

The helicopter was operated by Wright’s company Helibrook.

There are also ongoing ATSB and NT WorkSafe investigations into the incident.

The scene of the crash, where the chopper collided with terrain about 30km south of South Goulburn Island.

In September Burbidge, 44, was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, attempt to pervert the course of justice, destruction of evidence and providing a false statement in a statutory declaration.

In August Mr Mellon was charged with 31 criminal offences including conspiracy to pervert the course of justice – which carries a 15-year jail sentence – and the destruction of evidence in relation to the major crash investigation.

The 47-year-old – who has since resigned from the NT Police Force – was also charged with unlawfully accessing data and disclosing confidential information as well as multiple weapons, firearms and wildlife offences.