Celebrity Crocodile Wrangler Found Guilty of Lying About Helicopter Crash

Australian celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright was found guilty on two counts of attempting to obstruct justice following a deadly helicopter crash in 2022 that claimed the life of his co-star Chris Wilson. The verdict came after a month-long trial in the Darwin Supreme Court, shedding light on the harrowing aftermath of a crash that haunted the Australian Outback and left a pilot permanently disabled.

The Fatal Helicopter Crash and Its Circumstances

The tragic accident occurred in February 2022 in the Northern Territory’s remote Arnhem Land, during a crocodile egg collection mission. Wilson was suspended 100 feet below the helicopter to retrieve eggs from nests in challenging swamp terrain when the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed. An air crash investigation later revealed operational failures including a lack of an effective safety management system. The crash resulted in Wilson’s death and left pilot Sebastian Robinson paralyzed.

Charges Against Matt Wright

Wright faced multiple charges related not to causing the crash itself, but for allegedly trying to mislead investigators and tamper with evidence in the wake of the disaster. Specifically, he was convicted of lying to police about the helicopter's fuel levels and encouraging Robinson to falsify flight records while still hospitalized. A third charge, involving allegations that Wright instructed someone to destroy aircraft maintenance documents, did not lead to a unanimous verdict and was left unresolved.

Court Proceedings and Jury Outcome

The jury deliberated for more than six hours before delivering the verdict. While they agreed unanimously on two counts of perverting the course of justice, they could not reach a decision on the third charge, resulting in a deadlock. Throughout the trial, Wright maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict. Despite prosecution requests, he was granted bail, allowing him to remain free ahead of his sentencing scheduled for October 6.

Reactions from Family and Community

The trial's conclusion elicited strong emotions from all sides. Wilson’s widow, Danielle Wilson, expressed that the verdict marked an important milestone in her long and painful journey toward justice. She spoke poignantly about approaching another father’s day without her husband, as well as the ongoing heartbreak endured by their family. Robinson’s family also shared relief that some measure of accountability was achieved, while acknowledging the long road ahead given the pending appeal.

Broader Implications for Safety and Justice

The case has brought renewed scrutiny to safety practices within the helicopter industry in the Northern Territory and to the treatment of operational hazards in remote work environments. Investigators revealed how flight hour meters were regularly tampered with to extend usage, and safety documentation was falsified within Wright’s company. The findings highlight broader systemic issues beyond this single tragedy, calling for tighter oversight and better enforcement of aviation safety protocols.

In summary, the guilty verdict against Matt Wright highlights the lengths to which some will go to obstruct justice in the aftermath of a fatal accident. It brings some closure to a tragic event that cost a life and left lasting scars on those involved, while raising serious questions about industry safety and accountability. Wright’s appeal means the legal drama over that fateful day in the Australian Outback is far from over.