Australian crocodile wrangler and television personality Matt Wright has been convicted of obstructing justice in connection with a helicopter crash that killed his co-star during a crocodile egg-harvesting mission in 2022.
The case was heard in the Supreme Court in Darwin and focused on his role after the fatal accident in Arnhem Land.
The crash took the life of Chris “Willow” Wilson, who was being carried beneath the helicopter in a sling when it fell. Pilot Sebastian Robinson survived but was severely injured.
Investigators later confirmed the helicopter engine shut down mid-air after running out of fuel, noting that the aircraft had not been refueled as required and that the low fuel levels went unnoticed.
Although Wright was not inside the aircraft, he was one of the first to reach the scene.
Prosecutors accused him of lying about how much fuel the machine had carried and of trying to pressure the injured pilot into falsifying flight records.
They also alleged he manipulated helicopter flight-hour meters to disguise excessive use that broke aviation rules.
One further charge, involving claims he told an associate to destroy helicopter documents, resulted in no decision as the jury could not agree.
The 46-year-old was convicted on two counts of perverting the course of justice.
He was granted bail despite prosecutors pushing for custody, with the court noting that an appeal is highly likely. Wright has continued to deny any wrongdoing.
Best known worldwide for Outback Wrangler and Netflix’s Wild Croc Territory, Wright built a career as a conservationist and tourism operator.
His conviction marks a serious setback for one of Australia’s most recognizable wildlife figures.