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AAP
AAP
Neve Brissenden

Prosecutors review findings over fatal chopper crash

Findings over the Outback Wrangler helicopter crash have been referred to prosecutors. (HANDOUT/AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT SAFETY BUREAU)

Prosecutors are reviewing the findings over the deadly Outback Wrangler helicopter crash, "examining the culpability of individuals and entities" involved.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released a report into the crash on Wednesday, almost 21 months after Outback Wrangler TV personality Chris Wilson plunged to his death in a remote area in West Arnhem Land.

The 34-year-old died while on a crocodile egg hunting mission when a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed while he was attached on a 30-metre line using a harness.

The investigation found the chopper's engine stopped mid-flight due to a lack of fuel and during the emergency landing, pilot Sebastian Robinson released hooks and a sling line.

Mr Robinson, who survived the incident with lifelong injuries, was found to have not refuelled when necessary and had traces of cocaine in his system.

Findings were also made against crocodile catcher and Netflix co-star Matt Wright, who owned the helicopter business, with the ATSB saying the operator had a "long history of noncompliance" and the chopper had several engine defects.

On Thursday Northern Territory Police said they had referred the ATSB findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

"(We) have shared a comprehensive investigation file with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Worksafe NT, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)," police said in a statement.

"The file includes maintenance and fuel records, expert opinions concerning the fuel system and airworthiness of the stricken aircraft, and toxicology analyses of individuals involved in the crash.

"These agencies are currently examining the culpability of individuals and entities with respect to the tragic death of Christopher 'Willow" Wilson."

Matt Wright
Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has been charged with destroying evidence.

Last year police charged Wright, his pilot Michael Burbidge and former senior police officer Neil Mellon with perverting the course of justice and destroying evidence after the ATSB recommended they probe the evidence available.

The trio remain before the courts with Wright saying he "strenuously denies any allegations of wrongdoing".

Outback Wrangler was an adventure TV series filmed in remote Top End locations that aired in more than 90 countries.

The show chronicled the capture and transport of dangerous animals that posed a threat to people, including crocodiles and wild buffalo.

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