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Wrangler faces long list of charges in court over copter crash

National Geographic Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright is expected to face a Darwin court to face a slew of charges related to a helicopter crash that killed a cast member.

Nov 30, 2022, updated Nov 30, 2022
Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright (wearing cap) has arrived in Darwin after Northern Territory police issued an arrest warrant for charges related to a fatal helicopter crash. (AAP Image/Aaron Bunch)

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright (wearing cap) has arrived in Darwin after Northern Territory police issued an arrest warrant for charges related to a fatal helicopter crash. (AAP Image/Aaron Bunch)

The crocodile trapper-turned-media personality is accused of perverting the course of justice and destruction of evidence stemming from the February crash that killed Chris Wilson.

Wright, 43, is also accused of fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses, making a false declaration and two counts of unlawful entry after the helicopter crashed into trees and the ground.

The father of two was released on bail on Tuesday after he flew from Sydney and turned himself into police.

His bail conditions include a direction to not contact certain people and to reside at a prescribed address.

Mr Wilson, 34, died when the Robinson R44 helicopter he was attached to by a 30-metre line using a harness crashed in west Arnhem Land.

His body was found 40 metres from the main wreckage at the King River crash site, a preliminary Air Transport Safety Bureau report revealed in April.

Mr Wilson, also a father of two, was dangling fromthe strap to harvest eggs from crocodile nests in swampy areas while the helicopter hovered above.

The crashed helicopter was one of three collecting eggs on the day. It was found by one of the other crews after failing to respond to radio calls.

Pilot Sebastian Robinson was seriously injured and airlifted to Maningrida, before being transferred to hospital in Darwin.

A preliminary ATSB analysis of the site indicated the accident happened when the helicopter’s main rotor blade struck and cut through a tree trunk multiple times before the aircraft hit the ground.

In a statement on Monday, a representative for Wright said “Matt strenuously denies any wrongdoing”.

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

“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.”

Outback Wrangler is an adventure TV series filmed in remote Top End locations that airs in Australia on Nine and Netflix and in more than 90 countries.

The show chronicles the capture and transport of dangerous animals that pose a threat to people, including crocodiles and buffalo.

NT police officer Neil Mellon and helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge have also been charged in relation to the crash.

Wright is scheduled to appear at Darwin Local Court on Wednesday at 9.30am.

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