In a dramatic turn of events, investigators probing a fatal helicopter crash involving Netflix star Matt Wright have revealed that they covertly bugged the Outback Wrangler’s home, secretly recording private conversations with his wife, Kaia. The trial, currently underway at the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin, has captured public attention due to its high-profile nature and the tragic circumstances surrounding the case.
Wright, 45, stands accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice following the crash that claimed the life of his co-star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson during a crocodile egg-harvesting mission in 2022. Despite not being the pilot during the ill-fated mission, Wright’s alleged actions in the aftermath have come under intense scrutiny.
The Fatal Mission
The crash occurred on February 28, 2022, when Wilson was suspended in a 30-meter sling beneath a Robinson R44 helicopter, known as ‘IDW’ during the trial. The helicopter went down in a paperbark swamp near King River, a remote area of West Arnhem Land, 500 kilometers east of Darwin. Tragically, Wilson, a father of two, fell more than five meters to his death while collecting eggs from crocodile nests.
Pilot Seb Robinson, who survived the crash but was left paraplegic, is expected to testify. Both he and Wilson were subcontractors for Wright’s now-defunct company, Helibrook. The trial has seen Dani Wilson, the widow of Chris Wilson, attending as a spectator, underscoring the emotional weight of the proceedings.
Allegations of Cover-Up
Central to the prosecution’s case is the allegation that Wright impeded the investigation into the crash. Crown prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC informed the jury that Wright’s home was bugged and his phone tapped as part of the investigation. Conversations between Wright and his wife were recorded, including a notable discussion on September 22, 2022, where Kaia questioned Wright about the helicopter’s flight hours.
Gullaci explained that the helicopter model involved required either scrapping or a $400,000 overhaul after 2,200 flight hours, with mandatory servicing every 50 hours as per Australian aviation regulations. In the recorded conversation, Wright reportedly estimated the helicopter had flown “a couple of hundred” hours over the limit, admitting to not properly logging flight hours and lacking a flight hours logbook.
“A couple of hundred, I think, ten percent… I think 200,” Wright allegedly stated in the recording.
The prosecution argues that Wright’s failure to maintain accurate records was motivated by a desire to conceal potential regulatory breaches that could be linked to the crash. Helibrook pilots, under Wright’s direction, allegedly did not consistently log flight hours, an omission that could have dire implications for safety and accountability.
Covert Recordings and Legal Implications
Further complicating Wright’s legal troubles, investigators recorded a conversation between him and pilot Seb Robinson while Robinson was in the hospital receiving treatment. These recordings, along with limited phone intercepts and a statutory declaration made by Wright, are expected to play a crucial role in the trial, which is anticipated to last five weeks.
Despite the serious allegations, Gullaci acknowledged the inherent risks of crocodile egg harvesting and clarified that Wright was not responsible for the crash itself or Robinson’s injuries. However, Wright’s alleged attempts to cover up his operations have drawn significant legal scrutiny.
Media Controversy and Trial Proceedings
The trial has not been without its controversies. An A Current Affair segment aired shortly after jury empanelment, sparking concerns about potential bias. Acting Justice Alan Blow addressed the jury, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and criticizing the segment for potentially prejudicing the trial.
“It seems clear it was a piece of journalism that was aimed to suggest Mr Wright is guilty, or something, and that’s not what TV journalists should be doing,” Justice Blow remarked.
Justice Blow instructed the jury to avoid the segment and reminded them of their duty to remain unbiased throughout the proceedings. Meanwhile, Wright’s legal team, led by barrister David Edwardson KC, is expected to respond to the Crown’s opening statements shortly.
Looking Ahead
As the trial progresses, multiple witnesses, including police, aviation experts, and crocodile egg collectors, are set to testify. The outcome could have significant ramifications for Wright, whose career as a television personality and business owner has been deeply affected by the crash. His show, Wild Croc Territory, continues to stream on Netflix despite the tragedy, though plans for a second season have been shelved.
With the trial’s conclusion still weeks away, the case remains a focal point for both the media and the public, highlighting the complex interplay of celebrity, tragedy, and justice in the modern era.
