Australian outback wrangler, Matt Wright, has been charged for a helicopter crash in NT that killed co-star Chris Wilson.
Matt Wright has recently been charged by Northern Territory police over a helicopter crash that killed his fellow cast member, who Wright’s team described as his, “close mate.”
The Northern Territory police’s statement stated that a 43-year-old man (Matt Wright) had been charged in relation to the helicopter crash that had killed Chris “Willow” Wilson while on a crocodile egg-collecting mission. Wilson was dangling roughly 30 meters below the helicopter when it crashed on February 28th, 2022.
The R44 Raven II chopper’s blade struck a tree shortly after taking off from Noonamah, West Arnhem Land, which was reported by the Air Transport Safety Bureau. There were two other helis on egg-collecting missions that morning and when they hadn’t heard back from Wilson’s crew, they went to check on the situation.
Wilson’s body was found 40 meters from the wreckage and the report said the sling line attachment rings were not connected to the helicopter cargo hook and that, “Initial assessment indicated the engine had stopped prior to the helicopter colliding with the ground.”
At the time, the company behind the show released a statement that read, “Our love and thoughts are with Chris’ wife Danielle and two little boys Ted and Austin as well as the families and friends of Chris and Seb during this incredibly tough time.”
The charges recently filed against Wright include the attempt to pervert the course of justice, destroy evidence, fabricate evidence, unlawful entry of a building and a dwelling, make a false declaration, and threats/reprisals to interfere with witnesses.
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Wright has since been bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court. The police initially issued a warrant for Matt Wright’s arrest on Monday, a result of their investigation into the helicopter crash.
“What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” Wright’s spokesperson continued to espouse.
“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.”
Wright’s spokesperson said their client won’t be making any further statements and plans to “vigorously” defend against the charges.
