Matt Wright Sentenced for Evidence Tampering in Arnhem Land Helicopter Crash Case
Matt Wright has been sentenced to five months in prison for evidence tampering related to the 2022 Arnhem Land helicopter crash. The 10-month term will be suspended after half is served, and he was fined A$5,000.
Wright was found guilty on two counts: lying to police and pressuring a hospitalized witness. A third charge alleging he asked someone to destroy evidence was deadlocked and remains under consideration.
The helicopter crash resulted in the death of Wright’s co-star Chris Willow Wilson and left pilot Sebastian Robinson seriously injured. Wright was not aboard but was among the first to arrive at the crash site.
Prosecution presented secret recordings that contradicted Wright’s claims about the helicopter's fuel levels. He allegedly sought to have Robinson alter flight records to show fewer hours flown. Prosecutors argued this misconduct aimed to obstruct justice.
Wright’s defense acknowledged that underreporting flight hours is widespread in the Northern Territory’s helicopter community but contended it did not amount to perverting justice.
Judge Alan Blow noted mitigating factors including Wright’s community contributions and strong character references. Although Wright showed no remorse, the judge said he is unlikely to reoffend and emphasized that the sentence is proportionate.
The trial highlighted a culture of falsifying flight hours in the helicopter industry, often by delaying maintenance. However, the case did not address the cause of the crash or the resulting deaths and injuries.
