- Matt Wright was found guilty of lying to police and pressuring a witness after a fatal helicopter crash.
- The crash killed his co-star Chris Wilson and seriously injured pilot Sebastian Robinson.
- Wright was convicted of two counts of perverting the course of justice; a third charge ended in a hung jury.
- Investigators found the helicopter ran out of fuel mid-flight.
- Wright allegedly tampered with flight records and flying-hour meters to avoid scrutiny.
- He was released on bail and plans to appeal the verdict.
- Sentencing is set for October 6.
Australian crocodile wrangler and reality TV star Matt Wright has been found guilty of obstructing justice following a fatal helicopter crash that claimed the life of his close friend and co-star, Chris “Willow” Wilson.
A Darwin jury convicted Wright on two counts of perverting the course of justice, including lying to investigators about fuel levels and pressuring the injured pilot, Sebastian Robinson, to falsify flight records. The verdict was delivered on Wright’s 46th birthday. A third charge—alleging Wright told an associate to destroy helicopter maintenance records—ended in a hung jury.
The crash occurred in 2022 during a crocodile egg harvesting expedition in Arnhem Land. Wilson, suspended from the aircraft in a sling, died on impact. Robinson survived but sustained life-altering injuries.
Investigators later found the helicopter had run out of fuel mid-flight. Prosecutors argued Wright feared being blamed and attempted to cover up evidence, including tampering with flying-hour meters to hide excessive flight times.
Though Wright was not aboard the aircraft, he was among the first to arrive at the crash site. His actions, described by prosecutors as calculated and clinical, have drawn criticism from victims’ families and the public.
Wright, who rose to fame through National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler and Netflix’s Wild Croc Territory, was released on bail pending appeal. His sentencing is scheduled for October 6.
