Australia’s aviation regulator says it is not in a position to settle a lawsuit over the helicopter crash that killed Outback Wrangler star Chris Wilson without further expert evidence to find out who was responsible.
Wilson plunged to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory in February 2022 while dangling from his TV co-star Matt Wright’s helicopter to collect crocodile eggs.
His widow Danielle Wilson filed suit in federal court in December against Wright’s company Helibrook and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) over the crash.
Matt Wright, who has been charged in connection with a helicopter crash that killed Outback Wrangler co-star Chris Wilson, is pictured with his wife Kaia
Chris Wilson plunged to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory in February 2022 while dangling from a helicopter in search of crocodile eggs (the helicopter is pictured)
In April, Ms. Wilson joined Wright in the lawsuit and amended her pleadings to include claims against him personally.
CASA’s attorney, Thomas Miller, told a hearing Friday that there is a higher threshold required for the commonwealth agency to offer financial settlements than for private parties.
“We have indicated that we would likely not be able to make any monetary settlement offers,” he said.
‘There must be a real, appreciable risk of liability and this must be supported by evidence.’
Mr. Miller added that CASA’s actions had to be reviewed and approved by a range of advocacy groups, including the attorney general’s office.
The case is scheduled for a mediation session on June 6, despite the court being told that some parties had reservations about its usefulness without money on the table.
Wilson’s wife, Danielle, filed proceedings in the Federal Court in December against Wright’s company Helibrook and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) over the crash.
In April, Ms Wilson joined Wright (pictured) in the lawsuit and amended her pleas to include claims against him personally
Mr Miller said that before any offers are made, further expert evidence should be available on issues of causation and liability.
“A helicopter has crashed and there are unclear circumstances as to why it crashed,” he said.
‘The existence of the duty of care is a major problem; the scope and content of that duty … is highly debated.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded in a November report on the crash that the helicopter’s engine stopped mid-flight due to a lack of fuel.
During the subsequent emergency landing, pilot Sebastian Robinson released the hooks and sling line to which Mr Wilson was attached.
Mr Robinson, who survived the incident but suffered lifelong injuries, was found not to have refueled when required and had traces of cocaine in his system.
Judge Elizabeth Raper said she was concerned about CASA’s position and urged it to “avoid rigidity”, adding she understood the additional difficulties given its responsibility to the Australian public.
Mrs Wilson is seeking damages for personal injuries and for her husband’s loss of income following the crash.