Australian crocodile wrangler and television personality Matt Wright sentenced to ten months’ jail time. This announcement comes after a closely watched Full Bench NT Supreme Court trial. Wright is currently sentenced to Holtze prison. He was convicted on two of three charges for attempting to obstruct law enforcement’s investigations into the helicopter crash that killed his friend and co-star, Chris “Willow” Wilson, in 2022. The high-profile trial attracted a great deal of media coverage, especially on the day the verdict was announced.
Throughout the proceedings, the court shared alarming insight into a culture at the airline that accepted safety violations as the status quo. Though not alleged to have caused the fatal crash, Wright was still hit with disturbing accusations over what he did after the crash. He attempted to strongarm a critically injured survivor. This completed-but-still-cavalier behavior illustrates a far greater issue—that too many helicopter pilots in the area are turning a blind eye toward regulatory compliance.
Trial and Verdict
Like Wright’s trial, the case captivated the public and generated robust media attention. On the day of the verdict, the courtroom was filled with reporters and onlookers from around the world. Acting Justice Alan Blow was called upon to present the Court’s decision. Wright was charged with two counts of obstructing justice, and subsequently convicted of both. On a third charge, he was found not guilty.
This is a poignant reminder of why Wright took action after the tragic Arnhem Land crash. This collision ultimately claimed the life of Wilson, a trailblazer in Australia’s tourism and entertainment sectors. Court documents show that Wright was never criminally prosecuted for safety violations in the course of his helicopter business. Alternatively, this raises serious questions about accountability and the aviation sector.
“To ensure observance of regulatory requirements and improve safety culture, specifically, concerning the accurate recording of flight hours and compliance with scheduled maintenance requirements.” – Coroner Elisabeth Armitage
Cowboy Culture of Aviation
The trial brought to light Wright’s efforts to pervert the course of justice, and other factors that contributed to Wright’s wrongful conviction. It exposed a dangerous “cowboy culture” that infects the aviation industry. The testimonies revealed a disturbing trend among helicopter pilots like Wright. Most of them repeatedly flouted civil aviation laws and decided not to pay for costly upkeep on their planes. This practice has resulted in multiple incidents focusing on passenger safety.
The court heard how this disregard for safety standards contributed to an environment where incidents like Wilson’s tragic death could occur. The aviation community is facing extreme marginalization. After revelations of rampant, widespread non-compliance with safety regulations these concerns were certainly serious.
Consequences and Future
Wright’s conviction has serious ramifications for both his professional and personal lives. Known for his successful tourism and television business in the Northern Territory, including his show “Outback Wrangler” aired on National Geographic, he now faces a tarnished reputation. Now his wife, Kaia Wright, is pregnant with their third child. The impact of his actions will reverberate long past the four walls of the prison.
Inspite of character references describing him as a “family man of the highest calibre,” court guards promptly arrested Wright following the sentencing. The discordant sentiments underscore the dramatic reversal of fortune in his case. He must only serve five months of his ten-month sentence before it is suspended.
