- ATSB release reports fatal helicopter crash
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed, killing a crocodile catcher from the hit TV show Outback Wrangler, is believed to have failed to refuel the plane, causing the engine to stop in mid-air.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its report on Wednesday, almost 21 months after Chris’ Wilson plunged to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
The 34-year-old died while hunting for crocodile eggs in western Arnhem Land when a Robinson R44 helicopter to which he was attached to a harness with a 30-metre long line crashed.
The helicopter was owned and operated by Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s company Helibrook.
Ny Breaking Australia understands Wright will release a statement in response to the findings later on Wednesday.
The ATSB investigation found that the helicopter’s engine stopped mid-flight and during the emergency landing, pilot Sebastian Robinson released the hooks and sway line during the emergency landing.
The helicopter involved in the fatal crash in February was owned and operated by Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s company Helibrook (pictured)
The height of the release, which was above nine metres, was “unlikely to be survivable” for Wilson, ATSB chief constable Angus Mitchell found.
“Based on analysis of fuel samples and other evidence, the ATSB investigation determined that the helicopter was likely not refueled at a fuel depot approximately three-quarters of the way between Darwin and the crocodile egg hunting area,” Mitchell said.
“The pilot was unable to identify the declining fuel status before the helicopter engine shut down due to fuel depletion.”
The agency also found that the pilot’s “exposure to cocaine” in the previous days increased the likelihood of fatigue and inattention, but there was insufficient evidence at the time to determine whether he was affected.
The agency found that Wright’s company Helibrook had made a number of mistakes.
According to the report, the operator did not use a proper safety management system to “systematically identify and manage operational hazards.”
The investigation also found that the aviation regulator had banned the use of streamers at any altitude, but had granted Helibrook an exemption from collecting crocodiles.
In 2017, all safety regulations limiting height, speed and exposure were lifted by the regulator, meaning Mr Wilson could be tethered to the helicopter up to 30 metres.
Months after the accident, the ATSB referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police and recommended that the police investigate the matter in relation to the evidence available in the investigation.
Wright, 44, and his pilot Michael Burbidge were reportedly first on the scene, accompanied by former senior police officer Neil Mellon.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its report on Wednesday, almost 21 months after Chris Wilson (pictured) plunged to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
Matt Wright (right) recently, the death of Mr Wilson (centre) was ‘still quite fresh’. The pair were members of the cast of the Outback Wrangler TV series with Jono Brown (left)