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Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has formally pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice three years after a fatal R44 crash.
The incident took place in 2022 in remote West Arnhem Land and killed Chris “Willow” Wilson and seriously injured pilot Sebastian Robinson.
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Wilson is alleged to have been suspended underneath the helicopter on a 30-metre sling during a crocodile egg collecting mission.
The ATSB said in its report that during the autorotation emergency forced landing procedure that followed, the pilot, Robinson, released the hooks and sling line carrying Wilson “above a height that would likely be survivable”.
The helicopter subsequently hit the ground without enough energy from the main rotor to cushion the landing, causing Robinson severe spinal injuries.
It was later alleged that Wright engaged in actions that compromised the subsequent investigation on three occasions.
However, on Monday, the 45-year-old star entered not guilty pleas at the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin.
It is estimated that the high-profile trial will last four weeks and may involve 25 witnesses.
Wright found fame on National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler and the Netflix series Wild Croc Territory.
Australian Aviation previously reported how CASA was seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit against it over the death of Wilson.
The case brought by Wilson’s widow Danielle in the Federal Court also involved Helibrook, the operator of the R44, and Helibrook owner Wright.
CASA lost its attempt to be struck out of the lawsuit, with Danielle Wilson saying in May that Justice Elizabeth Raper ruled she still has an “arguable case” against the regulator.
