An arrest warrant has been issued for Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright, following an ongoing investigation into the helicopter crash in West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory in February that killed Mr Wright's co- star Chris 'Willow' Wilson.
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Mr Wright has been contacted via his legal team and informed he must present himself to NT Police in Darwin by 9am on November 30.
At that stage, he's expected to be charged with perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and two counts of unlawful entry.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Mr Wright said "Matt strenuously denies any wrongdoing".
"What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate," the statement said.
"His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on board at the time.
"The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren't at risk and that the location was safe."
On February 28, Chris Wilson, long-time friend and colleague of crocodile wrangler Matt Wright, was killed when the Robinson R44 helicopter he was hanging 30 metres below collided with trees and the ground.
Willow Wilson appeared on National Geographic's Outback Wrangler for more than ten years.
The adventure TV series, filmed in remote Top End locations, airs in more than 120 countries.
The show chronicles the capture and transport of dangerous animals that pose a threat to people, including crocodiles and wild buffalo.
Two other men have previously been charged over the February crash.
IN OTHER NEWS
Only last month, Northern Territory Police called upon the community to supply images taken of or inside a Robinson R44 Raven II bearing the call sign VH-IDW between 2020 and 2022.
The R44, the aircraft involved in the crash, was believed to be used for scenic and adventure tours in the Territory between 2020 and 2022 and police would like to speak with anyone who may have travelled in the aircraft.
At the time, Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Corey Borton said police were particularly interested in anyone who may have taken photos or videos of, or in this aircraft, to come forward and provide these images to police.
The father-of-two's body was found 40 metres from the main wreckage at the King River crash site, a preliminary Air Transport Safety Bureau report revealed in April.
He was attached to a line using a harness so he could harvest eggs from difficult-to-access crocodile nests in swampy areas while the helicopter hovered above.
The crashed helicopter was one of three involved in collecting eggs on the day. It was found by one of the other crews after failing to respond to radio calls.
He leaves behind his wife Danielle and two young sons, Ted, 4, and Austin, 1.
Pilot Sebastian Robinson was seriously injured in the incident and was airlifted to Maningrida, before being transferred to hospital in Darwin.
At the time, Outback Wrangler presenter Matt Wright said "his family and team (were) absolutely devastated by the tragic accident".
"(They) are heartbroken by the loss of their best friend and highly respected colleague Chris 'Willow' Wilson," said a statement issued by The Fordham Company a day after the crash.
A preliminary ATSB analysis of the site indicated the accident happened when the helicopter's main rotor blade struck and cut through a tree trunk multiple times before the aircraft hit the ground.
Initial assessments indicated the engine had stopped prior to the helicopter hitting the ground.
Anyone with information regarding the helicopter is asked to contact police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersnt.com.au.
- With AAP
Annie Hesse
I am an award-winning media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcast, as well as photography and videography. I am the NT Correspondent at Australian Community Media and I write for my hometown newspaper, the Katherine Times. I love telling people's stories, and I am passionate about giving those a voice who may otherwise remain unheard. When I am not busy putting pen to paper, I spend time in my garden, go bushwalking or travel across the Northern Territory, Australia or the world. In my spare time I write, illustrate and publish books.
I am an award-winning media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcast, as well as photography and videography. I am the NT Correspondent at Australian Community Media and I write for my hometown newspaper, the Katherine Times. I love telling people's stories, and I am passionate about giving those a voice who may otherwise remain unheard. When I am not busy putting pen to paper, I spend time in my garden, go bushwalking or travel across the Northern Territory, Australia or the world. In my spare time I write, illustrate and publish books.
