The pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Australia last year, killing an alligator egg hunter from the reality TV show “Outback Wrangler,” likely didn’t refuel the plane — after using cocaine in the days leading up to the ill-fated flight, investigators have found.
Chris “Willow” Wilson was dangling from a 100-foot line, looking for crocodile eggs to scoop up in a remote area of the Northern Territory on Feb. 28, 2022, when the Robinson R44 helicopter carrying him ran out of fuel mid-flight, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said in a report his accident released Wednesday.
As the plane fell from the sky, the pilot, Sebastian Robinson, released the hook and rope that kept Wilson suspended in the air, causing him to plummet to his death.
The release height, which was around 30 feet, was “likely to be unsustainable,” the ATSB concluded.
The ATSB said the operator did not use a proper safety management system to “systematically identify and manage operational hazards.” Careflight/AUSTRALIA TRANSPORT SAFETY BUREAU
“Based on analysis of fuel samples and other evidence, the ATSB investigation found that the helicopter likely did not refuel at a fuel depot approximately three-quarters of the way between Darwin and the crocodile spawning area,” Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell wrote.
He blamed Robinson for failing to realize that the fuel level had dropped before the helicopter’s engine stalled.
The 21-month investigation also found that the pilot’s “exposure to cocaine” in the days before the crash “increased the likelihood of fatigue, depression and apathy, however, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether these effects occurred.”
Chris “Willow” Wilson was dangling from a 100-foot line looking for alligator eggs when he died. Matt Wright/Instagram
Robinson survived the crash but suffered serious injuries to his spine.
The agency’s report also listed alleged mistakes made by the Helibrook company owned by another “Outback Wrangler” star, Matt Wright, who operated the doomed helicopter.
The ATSB said the operator did not use a proper safety management system to “systematically identify and manage operational hazards.”
Wilson plunged to his death in a horrific scene. Matt Wright/Instagram Chris “Willow” Wilson fell about 30 feet to 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, destroying evidence, fabricating evidence, witness tampering and unlawful entry.
Wright has denied any wrongdoing and described what happened as a “tragic accident.”
“Outback Wrangler,” which premiered in 2011 and is broadcast in more than 90 countries, follows the capture and relocation of dangerous creatures, including alligators, as part of animal population management.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
