ATSB refer investigation for Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson chopper crash to federal police
Part of the investigation into the chopper crash that killed Outback Wrangler star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson has been referred to the Australian Federal Police.
Northern Territory
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The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has called for federal oversight into the investigation of the helicopter crash that killed Outback Wrangler cast member Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.
Mr Wilson was killed when the Robinson R44 chopper he was collecting crocodile eggs in crashed, while pilot Sebastian Robinson suffered serious injuries, in February last year.
An ATSB spokesman said it had referred an investigation to Australian Federal Police “concerning possible offences under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 relating to the status of evidence available”.
An AFP spokeswoman said NT Police now had full “carriage of this matter”.
“The referral did not concern the circumstances of the accident itself,” the ATSB spokesman said.
The final part of the probe, which is due to be completed by the end of September, will detail the evidence collected during the investigation.
Fellow Outback Wrangler Matt Wright was arrested and charged, along with former NT police officer Neil Mellon and pilot Michael Burbidge, last year.
All three men are facing court for making false declarations, destroying evidence and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
None of the three men have entered pleas before the court.
Mr Robinson is not accused of any wrongdoing.
NT Police confirmed the referral was given to them from ATSB via the AFP.
“The circumstances surrounding the matters referred were investigated, and a brief has been provided to the NT Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration,” a spokeswoman said.
In April it was reported the ATSB had extended its investigation, delaying the release of its findings by three months.
A spokesman said the extension was “due to the complex nature” of the incident.
The destroyed Robinson R44 was owned and operated by Wright’s company Helibrook, which is being investigated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
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Originally published as ATSB refer investigation for Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson chopper crash to federal police
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