Probable cause of fatal Outback Wrangler helicopter crash revealed – report reveals three shocking failures and Matt Wright breaks down
Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has fought back tears as he revealed he was ‘doubly devastated’ that the pilot in the helicopter crash that killed his fellow co-star had cocaine in his system and that the fuel in the helicopter was running low.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau finally released its 113-page report on Wednesday, almost 21 months after Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson plunged to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
The 34-year-old died during a crocodile egg hunting mission in western Arnhem Land in February 2022 when a Robinson R44 helicopter to which he was attached to a harness with a 30-metre line crashed.
The aviation watchdog ruled that the pilot had not refueled the plane owned and operated by Wright‘s company Helibrookcausing the engine to stop in mid-air.
The investigation also found low levels of cocaine in pilot Seb Robinson’s blood samples, but added there was insufficient evidence to determine whether he was affected at the time.
Wright discussed the report’s findings in a two-minute video, including how the pilot had apparently been “exposed to cocaine” in the days before.
Wright insists Robinson would not have been allowed to fly the helicopter that day if he had known.
“We were all devastated when Willow was killed and now we are doubly devastated to find out that the helicopter ran out of fuel while hurling Willow, which doesn’t make it any easier,” Wright began.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its report on Wednesday, almost 21 months after Chris Wilson (pictured) plunged to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
‘But not only that, to find out that there was cocaine in the pilot’s blood: my position on drugs was quite strong: I didn’t do it, and the fact that none of my men did it, so I’m stunned when I found out.”
“If I had known, he wouldn’t have flown Willow, or any of our machines.”
An emotional Wright paused several times to maintain his composure as he discussed the hurtful “rumors” and “false accusations” that had taken a toll not only on his family, but on those involved.
“Nothing will bring Willow back,” he said.
“Over the last 12 to 18 months, you’ve seen a lot of rumors and reporting, so a lot of false accusations that have been hurtful to my family, Willow’s family and everyone else involved in this.”
‘Nothing brings a partner back. I just hope this report provides some clarity as to how this accident happened.”
“It doesn’t make it any easier.”
He also said the focus of the investigation was on himself and Willow because they were on TV rather than the actual cause of the accident.
‘That’s my opinion anyway. Cheers,” Wright ended the video.
Matt Wright fought back tears Wednesday as he discussed the findings of the report into the helicopter crash that killed one of his closest friends
The ATSB investigation found that the helicopter’s engine stopped mid-flight and during the emergency landing, pilot Sebastian Robinson released the hooks and sway line during the emergency landing.
The height of the release, which was above nine metres, was “unlikely to be survivable” for Wilson, ATSB chief constable Angus Mitchell found.
“Based on analysis of fuel samples and other evidence, the ATSB investigation determined that the helicopter was likely not refueled at a fuel depot approximately three-quarters of the way between Darwin and the crocodile egg hunting area,” Mitchell said.
“The pilot was unable to identify the declining fuel status before the helicopter engine shut down due to fuel depletion.”
The agency also found that the pilot’s “exposure to cocaine” in the previous days increased the likelihood of fatigue and inattention, but there was insufficient evidence at the time to determine whether he was affected.
Matt Wright (pictured with his wife Kaia) is expected to release a statement in response to the agency’s findings announced on Wednesday
February 28 next year will mark two years since the tragic death of Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson
The agency found that Wright’s company Helibrook had made a number of mistakes.
According to the report, the operator did not use a proper safety management system to “systematically identify and manage operational hazards.”
The investigation also found that the aviation regulator had banned the use of streamers at any altitude, but had granted Helibrook an exemption from collecting crocodiles.
In 2017, all safety regulations limiting height, speed and exposure were lifted by the regulator, meaning Mr Wilson could be tethered to the helicopter up to 30 metres.
Months after the accident, the ATSB referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police and recommended that the police investigate the matter in relation to the evidence available in the investigation.
Wright, 44, and his pilot Michael Burbidge were reportedly first on the scene, accompanied by former senior police officer Neil Mellon.
Matt Wright (right) previously revealed that the death of his close friend Chris Wilson (middle) was ‘still quite fresh’. The pair were cast members of Outback Wrangler with Jono Brown (left)
Wright, Mellon and Burbidge all faced a slew of charges, accused of perverting the course of justice and destroying evidence.
All three men have yet to appear in court on the charges, with Wright saying he “strongly denies any allegations of wrongdoing” related to the crash or investigation.
Outback Wrangler was an adventure TV series filmed in remote Top End locations and broadcast in over 90 countries.
The show recorded the capture and transport of dangerous animals that posed a threat to humans, including crocodiles and wild buffalo.