Matt Wright lawsuit over fatal crash may take another year to trial

A lawsuit stemming from a 2022 helicopter crash that killed crocodile egg collector Chris 'Willow' Wilson could face further delays, potentially pushing the trial back by at least another year. Federal Court Justice Elizabeth Raper emphasized the need for the case to progress, warning that prolonged delays could prejudice the proceedings.

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The case has a very long arc and the court has been trying desperately for years to get it to hearing.

Danielle Wilson, the widow of Chris Wilson, is suing Matt Wright, his helicopter company Helibrook, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). She alleges unsafe practices by Wright's company contributed to the accident in the Northern Territory in February 2022. Wilson was a co-star of Wright's television show and died when the helicopter crashed during a crocodile egg-collecting mission.

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It's in everyone's best interests to try to get it on as soon as possible.

Matt Wright, who is representing himself, informed the court he requires additional time to submit documents requested by Wilson, CASA, and his insurer. He cited juggling multiple other legal matters and significant financial strain from ongoing court battles, stating, "We've spent close to a couple of million bucks on these court battles."

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I've got my ass hanging out here at the moment.

Wright recently concluded a five-month jail sentence for attempting to interfere with the crash investigation and had been due to provide the documents by the end of the month. He also recently dropped an appeal against an NT Supreme Court guilty verdict, which he stated had been consuming considerable time and resources.

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We've spent close to a couple of million bucks on these court battles.