Outback Wrangler Matt Wright Found Guilty on Two Charges Stemming from Fatal Helicopter Crash
Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has been found guilty of two charges relating to a fatal helicopter crash in February 2022, which killed his friend Chris “Willow” Wilson and left pilot Sebastian Robinson with serious injuries.
The verdict was delivered on August 29, 2025, at the Northern Territory Supreme Court, and Wright has vowed to appeal the decision.
Guilty Verdicts
Wright was charged with three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in the seven months following the crash.
He was found guilty of lying about fuel levels in the crashed helicopter and asking Robinson to falsify flight records.
The jury could not reach a verdict on the third charge, which alleged Wright suggested torching the helicopter’s maintenance records.
Reactions to the Verdict
Wright spoke outside court, saying there were “no winners” in the case and that his focus was on supporting the families affected by the tragedy.
Dani Wilson, the widow of Chris Wilson, expressed relief at the verdict, but emphasized that the “journey” was not yet over, with outstanding matters including WorkSafe jurisdiction charges, a civil claim in the Federal Court of Australia, and a potential coronial inquest.
Court Proceedings
The prosecution alleged Wright deliberately manipulated flight records to avoid costly safety checks and attempted to cover up his actions.
Wright’s defence team argued that the paraplegic pilot, Sebastian Robinson, was motivated to lie and divert blame due to his own role in the crash.
Background to the Crash
The helicopter crash occurred during a crocodile egg collecting mission in Arnhem Land.
Chris Wilson was killed, and Sebastian Robinson was seriously injured when the chopper crashed.
The investigation into the crash has been ongoing since February 2022.
Wright has been released on appeal bail until October 6, pending an appeal of the guilty verdicts.