Australia’s aviation regulator says it is not in a position to settle a lawsuit over the helicopter crash that killed Outback Wrangler star Chris Wilson without more expert evidence to determine who was responsible.
Wilson fell to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory in February 2022 while hanging from a helicopter owned by his TV series co-star Matt Wright to collect crocodile eggs.
His widow, Danielle Wilson, brought proceedings in the Federal Court in December against Wright’s Helibrook company and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) over the crash.
Matt Wright, who has been sued over a helicopter crash that killed his Outback Wrangler co-star Chris Wilson, is pictured with his wife Kaia.
Chris Wilson crashed to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory in February 2022 while hanging from a helicopter searching for crocodile eggs (helicopter pictured)
In April, Ms. Wilson joined Wright in the lawsuit and amended her allegations to include claims against him personally.
CASA lawyer Thomas Miller told a hearing on Friday that a higher threshold was required for the Commonwealth body to offer financial settlements than for private parties.
“We gave an indication that we probably wouldn’t be able to make monetary settlement offers,” he said.
“There has to be a real and appreciable risk of liability and it has to be supported by evidence.”
Miller added that CASA’s actions needed to be reviewed and approved by a variety of interests, including the attorney general’s office.
The matter is due to go to a mediation session on June 6 even though the court was told some parties had reservations about its usefulness if there was no money on the table.
Wilson’s wife Danielle brought proceedings in the Federal Court in December against Wright’s Helibrook company and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) over the crash.
In April, Ms Wilson joined Wright (pictured) in the lawsuit and amended her allegations to include claims against him personally.
Miller said making any offer would require more expert evidence on issues such as causation and liability.
“There is a helicopter that crashed and the circumstances of why it crashed are unclear,” he said.
‘The existence of the duty of care is a big problem; the scope and content of that duty… is much in dispute.’
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded in a November report into the accident that the helicopter’s engine stopped mid-flight due to lack of fuel.
During the subsequent emergency landing, pilot Sebastian Robinson released the hooks and sling carrying Mr Wilson.
Robinson, who survived the incident but suffered life-long injuries, was found to have failed to refuel when necessary and had traces of cocaine in his system.
Judge Elizabeth Raper said she was concerned about CASA’s position and urged it to “avoid rigidity”, adding she understood the added difficulties given its responsibility to the Australian public.
Mrs Wilson is seeking compensation for personal injuries as well as her husband’s loss of income following the accident.
