Outback Wrangler star remained at fatal chopper crash site for hours

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has revealed he remained at the site of the fatal chopper crash that killed Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson until 4pm that day.

The crashed chopper, as shown in the ATSB report.

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has revealed he remained at the site of the fatal chopper crash that killed Chris “Willow” Wilson until 4pm that day, as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority considers enforcement action against his company Helibrook.

“Matt stayed at the site until CareFlight had returned to collect Willow and left straight after, which was around 4pm,” his spokesperson told The Weekend Australian.

This comes as a CASA spokesman said on Friday it had investigated Wright’s company Helibrook and was considering whether further action was necessary “in the interests of aviation safety”.

Wilson – who starred in reality TV shows Outback Wrangler, Matt Wright’s Wild Territory and Wild Croc Territory – was killed when the helicopter he was slinging from crashed in a remote part of West Arnhem Land on February 28 during a crocodile-egg-collection mission.

The destroyed Robinson R44 Raven II, registered VH-IDW, was owned and operated by Helibrook.

“This action remains under consideration despite a decision by Helibrook to voluntarily cease operating,” the CASA spokesman said. “Noting the ongoing … investigations, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”

A spokesman for Wright said Helibrook was being “voluntarily and temporarily stood down” until a new chief pilot took over.

“CASA has been informed and no commercial operations will run until a new chief pilot is approved,” he said.

Wright was arrested last month and charged with seven serious criminal offences in relation to the fatal incident.

The accident area as shown in the ATSB report into the chopper crash piloted by Sebastian Robinson where Outback Wrangler star Chris "Willow" Wilson died.

Bush helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge, who was flying a separate chopper on the egg-collecting mission that morning, located the wreckage, Wilson’s body and the critically injured pilot about 10.36am before calling for help.

Wright immediately flew to the scene with Darwin publican Mick Burns, who owns the crocodile-egg-harvesting business, and off-duty police officer Neil Mellon. About 12.30pm CareFlight arrived and flew pilot Sebastian Robinson to Maningrida before returning to take Wilson’s body – accompanied by Mr Burns – to Darwin. CareFlight refuses to comment on the timeline of events.

Wright and Acting Senior Sergeant Mellon remained at the scene with Mr Burbidge and ­others, including Jock Purcell, Ty Richardson and Tim Luck, who were also on the egg-collection mission.

“Matt left the accident site along with the others in attendance at approximately 4pm,” his spokesman said. “He did not ­return to the site.”

That day the major crash unit launched an investigation to find out what caused Wilson’s death.

Detectives’ first arrest, six months later, was of one of their own. On August 25 Sergeant Mellon was handcuffed and arrested as he ­arrived at Darwin police station for duty.

After the Northern Watch Commander’s police interview, the 47-year-old was charged with 31 offences, including making a false statement, the destruction of evidence and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in relation to the major crash investigation.

Weeks later Mr Burbidge, 44, was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, ­attempting to pervert the course of justice, destruction of evidence and providing a false statement in a statutory declaration.

On November 29, Wright was arrested and charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, fabricating evidence, unlawfully entering a building, unlawfully entering a dwelling, making a false declaration and interfering with witnesses in a criminal investigation or court process by making threats or reprisals.

The charges include allegations that he tampered with evidence at the remote crash site and regularly disconnected VH-IDW’s hour meter.

“Matt has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing and looks forward to clearing his name,” his spokesman said.

“Matt flew on the helicopter in question numerous times, including on February 26 with his family. This flight was logged according to relevant requirements.

“He would never put his team or his family in danger.

“All companies had appropriate workers’ compensation for employees and insurance required to undertake commercial flight operations.”

The 43-year-old Tourism Australia ambassador insists that the destroyed chopper had a 100-hourly inspection on February 7 and was certified safe to fly.

Wright clarified on Friday that the “minor additional work” performed on the chopper a week later “included spark plugs being renewed and the magneto timing being adjusted”.

Netflix continues to broadcast Wright’s new series, Wild Croc Territory, despite Wilson’s wife Danielle urging chief executive Reed Hastings to take down the show featuring her late husband until criminal proceedings against Wright are complete.