Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
National
Aaron Bunch

Croc star lands in NT over chopper charges

Minders jostle with media as Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright (C) arrives at Darwin airport. (Aaron Bunch/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Minders of Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright jostled with media as he arrived in Darwin after Northern Territory police issued an arrest warrant for charges related to a fatal helicopter crash.

Wright, 43, who "strenuously denies any wrongdoing", flew from Sydney on Tuesday and arrived at Darwin airport about 11.40am local time.

Four minders push and shoved media as they escorted the crocodile trapper to a waiting Range Rover, with one TV cameraman knocked to the ground.

Mr Wright has been ordered to present himself to police by 9am on Wednesday and he is expected to be charged with perverting the course of justice and destruction of evidence.

Police said he would also be charged with fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and two counts of unlawful entry.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Mr Wright on Monday said "Matt strenuously denies any wrongdoing".

"What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate," the spokesperson 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."

Chris Wilson, 34, was killed on February 28 when the Robinson R44 helicopter he was hanging 30 metres below collided with trees and the ground in west Arnhem Land.

His body was found 40m from the main wreckage at the King River crash site, a preliminary Air Transport Safety Bureau report revealed in April.

The father of two was attached to a line using a harness so he could harvest eggs from crocodile nests in swampy areas while the helicopter hovered above.

The crashed helicopter was one of three collecting eggs on the day. It was found by one of the other crews after failing to respond to radio calls.

Pilot Sebastian Robinson was seriously injured and airlifted to Maningrida, before being transferred to hospital in Darwin.

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 before the helicopter hit the ground.

An examination found there were no defects likely to cause the engine to stop and no visible damage to the tail rotor blades and drive system.

It was understood the chopper was certified by independent aviation experts as safe to operate just weeks before the crash.

Outback Wrangler is an adventure TV series filmed in remote Top End locations that airs in more than 90 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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.