Matt Wright Faces Charges Over Alleged Helicopter Record Fraud

Matt Wright, an Australian reality television star and pilot, has been accused of falsifying helicopter records in connection with a fatal crash that claimed the life of his friend and co-star, Chris Wilson. The allegations were presented during a court hearing at the Northern Territory Supreme Court, where it was claimed that Wright engaged in a “pattern” of inaccurately recording flight times for his Robinson R-44 helicopter prior to the incident that occurred on February 28, 2022.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC outlined the circumstances surrounding the crash, indicating that Wilson and 28-year-old pilot Sebastian Robinson were part of a team involved in a dangerous operation to collect crocodile eggs in the remote regions of Arnhem Land. Gullaci described the work as “inherently risky and dangerous,” emphasizing the bravery of the men who ventured into crocodile nests in some of the most isolated areas of the Northern Territory.

Wright, aged 45, has pleaded not guilty to three charges related to attempting to pervert the course of justice in the seven months following the helicopter crash. The legal proceedings are expected to scrutinize Wright’s actions leading up to and after the incident, as authorities investigate whether he deliberately misrepresented flight logs and records.

The tragic crash not only resulted in the loss of Wilson’s life but also raised questions about aviation safety and record-keeping practices among pilots operating in high-risk environments. The court case has attracted considerable media attention, given Wright’s prominence as a star on both Netflix and Apple TV.

As the trial unfolds, the jury will hear evidence regarding the operational practices of Wright and his colleagues, alongside testimonies that may shed light on the events leading to the fatal crash. The investigation aims to determine the extent of Wright’s alleged misconduct and its implications for aviation safety in the region.

In a case that highlights the intersection of entertainment and serious legal consequences, the outcome of these proceedings could have lasting impacts on Wright’s career and the broader reality television landscape. The court is set to hear further evidence in the coming days, as the pursuit of justice continues for those affected by this tragic event.