Investigation reveals cause of helicopter crash that killed famous crocodile egg hunter Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson

The pilot of the helicopter that crashed in Australia last year, killing a crocodile egg hunter from the hit TV show “Outback Wrangler,” likely did not refuel the plane after using cocaine in the days before the fateful flight. , the researchers discovered. .

Chris “Willow” Wilson was hanging from a 100-foot rope, searching for crocodile eggs to collect in a remote part of the Northern Territory on February 28, 2022, when the Robinson R44 helicopter carrying him ran out of fuel mid-flight. . the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said in its accident report released on Wednesday.

As the plane fell from the sky, the pilot, Sebastian Robinson, released the hooks and rope keeping Wilson suspended in the air, causing him to plummet to his death.

The height of the release, which was around 30 feet, “was probably not feasible,” the ATSB concluded.

ATSB said the operator was not using an adequate safety management system to “systematically identify and manage operational hazards”. Careflight/Australian Transport Safety Bureau

“Based on analysis of fuel samples and other evidence, the ATSB investigation found that the helicopter was probably not refueled at a fuel depot approximately three-quarters of the way between Darwin and the crocodile egg hunting area.” wrote Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell.

He blamed Robinson for not realizing that the fuel level had been dropping before the helicopter’s engine stalled.

The 21-month investigation also found that the pilot’s “cocaine exposure” in the days before the crash “increased the likelihood of fatigue, depression and inattention, however, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether these effects occurred.” .

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Chris “Willow” Wilson was hanging from a 100-foot rope searching for crocodile eggs when he died. Matt Wright/Instagram

Robinson survived the crash but suffered serious spinal injuries.

The agency’s report also lists mistakes allegedly made by the Helibrook company, owned by another “Outback Wrangler” star, Matt Wright, that operated the doomed helicopter.

ATSB said the operator was not using an adequate safety management system to “systematically identify and manage operational risks”.

Wilson plummeted to his death in a gruesome scene. Matt Wright / Instagram Chris “Willow” Wilson fell approximately 30 feet before his death. Matt Wright/Instagram

Three people have been charged in connection with the crash, including Wright, 44, who was charged last year with perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabrication of evidence, interference with witnesses and criminal trespass.

Wright has denied any wrongdoing and described what happened as a “tragic accident.”

“Outback Wrangler,” which premiered in 2011 and aired in more than 90 countries, followed the capture and relocation of dangerous creatures, including crocodiles, as part of animal population management.

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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