Australia's aviation authority says it has asked the Australian Federal Police to investigate possible criminal offences in relation to its probe into the fatal helicopter crash that killed Netflix's Outback Wrangler cast member Chris "Willow" Wilson.
Key points:
- The ATSB says there are potential issues with key evidence needed for its investigation
- Possible offences were referred to the Australian Federal Police
- Those matters are now being considered by the Northern Territory’s Director of Public Prosecutions
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is examining a number of factors that could have contributed to the crash in February 2022, including the helicopter's maintenance records, fuel quality and operational documentation.
But the agency says there is potential evidence of issues "relating to the status of evidence available to the ATSB" for its "no blame" safety investigation.
A spokesperson for the bureau said the referral "did not concern the circumstances of the accident itself".
However, the ATSB was unable to provide further details regarding who the possible offences might relate to, nor the specific offences it believed may have been committed under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
"The [Australian Federal Police] referred the matter to the Northern Territory Police as part of its broader investigations," the ATSB spokesperson said.
Northern Territory Police confirmed it had received a referral from the AFP of possible criminal offences via the ATSB and said the "circumstances surrounding the matters referred were investigated".
"A brief has been provided to the NT Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration," a spokesperson said.
Wilson, 34, was on a job collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of west Arnhem Land when the helicopter he was suspended beneath on a 100-foot (30-metre) sling crashed and claimed his life.
The ATSB's initial assessment indicated the engine had stopped prior to the helicopter colliding with the ground.
Sebastian Robinson, the 28-year-old pilot, was airlifted from the scene with serious injuries.
Final report expected in coming months
In November, celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright – the owner of the helicopter — was charged with a number of offences including attempting to pervert the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence and interfering with witnesses in relation to their actions after the crash.
He "strenuously denies" any wrongdoing.
The police investigation into the crash has also seen charges levelled against chopper pilot and fellow former co-star Michael Burbidge, and former high-ranking NT police officer Neil Mellon.
The three men have made a number of appearances in court since the crash to change bail conditions and in one instance fight attempts to have Mr Wright wear an electronic monitoring device as part of his bail conditions.
The unfolding cases against the men are expected to be before a judge again later this year.
The ATSB's final report, which will detail the evidence collected during the investigation, is expected to be published by September.
The agency's said its "no blame" investigations are aimed at preventing similar future accidents and are not for the purpose of taking administrative, regulatory or criminal action.