Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has been given the full summary of evidence in his case with NT WorkSafe after he was charged following a helicopter crash that killed his best friend.
Wright and his company Helibrook have been charged with failing to comply with their health and safety duties and reckless conduct risking death or injury.
The charges relate to the helicopter crash that killed fellow reality star Chris Wilson, 34, on February 28, 2022.
Wilson was hanging from a helicopter on a crocodile egg collecting mission in the NT’s West Arnhem Land when it crashed, killing him on impact.
Wright’s case with NT Worksafe was mentioned in Darwin Local Court on Monday, where it was heard he had received the written allegations against him.
Matt Wright and his company Helibrook have been accused of failing to comply with their health and safety duties and reckless conduct risking death or injury.
Wright and Helibrook were charged by NT WorkSafe in February morning “with failing to maintain the safety of the aircraft and failing to allow the aircraft to be operated when it was unsafe”.
An NT WorkSafe spokesperson said at the time that an investigation “found sufficient evidence to allege that Helibrook Pty Ltd and Wright engaged in conduct intended to falsify the actual number of flying hours accumulated by aircraft in Helibrook’s fleet over a period dragged on”.
“This…affected the regular inspection and replacement of the aircraft’s limited-life components…thus allegedly putting the health and safety of pilots and passengers at risk,” the spokesperson said.
Wright’s company owned the helicopter that was being used on the egg collection mission when Mr. Wilson was killed.
The charges relate to the helicopter crash that killed fellow reality star Chris Wilson, (pictured with his wife Danielle), 34, on February 28, 2022.
Wright is seen with his wife Kaia. He also faces a civil case brought by Chris Wilson’s widow.
Wilson had been hanging from a sling 30 meters below the helicopter to collect the eggs and died in the crash, while pilot Seb Robinson suffered life-changing spinal injuries.
Wright immediately flew to the scene. Later this year he will go on trial separately in the NT Supreme Court on a charge of perverting the course of justice.
Meanwhile, Wright is also facing a civil case, brought by Wilson’s widow, Danielle Wilson.
Mrs Wilson is suing Wright and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for alleged “wrongful acts or omissions” that caused or contributed to her husband’s death.
Judge Tanya Fong Lim adjourned Wright’s case to NT WorkSafe for a hearing on July 15.
Wright faces a maximum of five years behind bars and $1.2 million in fines if convicted, while Helibrook could be fined $6 million.
Wilson had been hanging from a sling 30 meters below the helicopter to collect the eggs and died in the crash, while pilot Seb Robinson suffered life-changing spinal injuries.
