Chopper footage key to inquiry

Northern Territory police want to speak to anyone who flew on Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s chopper in the past two years.

Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.

Northern Territory police want to speak to anyone who flew on Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s chopper in the past two years as they continue to investigate the helicopter crash that killed cast member Chris “Willow” Wilson in February.

Police say the aircraft involved in the crash, a Robinson R44 Raven II bearing call sign VH-IDW, was believed to have been used for scenic and adventure tours in the Northern Territory between 2020 and 2022.

“We’re particularly interested in anyone who may have taken photos or videos of, or in, this aircraft to … provide these images to police,” said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Corey Borton.

The Australian understands police are particularly interested in images or vision of the chopper’s instrument panel and flight recorders. The Australian revealed earlier this month Wilson’s missing phone is at the centre of the major crash investigation.

It is understood Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators had sought Wilson’s phone when they arrived at the accident location because it contained crucial flight data, but were told its whereabouts were unknown.

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. The 34-year-old also features in Channel 9’s new series, Matt Wright’s Wild Territory. The helicopter was operated by Helibrook, the company of tourism operator and reality TV host Wright.

Two men who immediately flew to the crash site, Neil Mellon and Michael Burbidge, have been charged with a long list of offences relating to the fabrication and destruction of evidence. They are due back in court next month.

Last week Darwin Local Court heard Mr Burbidge was in a “matrix” of people in an alleged conspiracy to destroy evidence from the fatal chopper crash.

The Australian can also now reveal he has acted as a contractor for police rescue operations including Tactical Response Group deployments.

Anyone who may have travelled in this aircraft is urged to contact police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.