Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson, the star of Outback Wrangler, has tragically died while hanging from a helicopter to collect crocodile eggs, a newly released report has revealed.
The 34-year-old Wilson was dangling from a sling 30m below the chopper when it crashed and struck trees.
He was attached with a line and harness so he could easily rappel down and gather crocodile eggs from hard to reach swamps.
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Details of the incident, which occurred back on February 28 in the Northern Territory, were recently released in a preliminary report from the Air Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
The R44 Raven II chopper crashed into trees in West Arnhem Land, with Wilson found with fatal injuries 40m from the site of the wreckage.
Pilot Sebastian Robinson was also seriously wounded but survived the crash.
The wreckage was found after Mr Robisnon didn’t respond to radio messages, which sparked concern from other crew members.
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There were two other crews also collecting eggs that morning, with one chopper setting out to find them.
The report said: “They found the helicopter substantially damaged having collided with trees and terrain.”
It added: “The sling person was found approximately 40 metres from the main wreckage, and was fatally injured. The pilot was seriously injured, and was airlifted to hospital.”
It was noted the sling line attachment rings had not been connected to the helicopter cargo hook, while the aircraft’s rotor blade had struck a tree trunk before the helicopter hit the ground.
No defects with the engine were found in the examination.
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Wilson starred in Outback Wrangler alongside Matt Wright and Jono Brown.
The show’s production company, The Fordham Company, paid tribute following Wilson’s passing.
They said: “Matt Wright, his family and team are absolutely devastated by the tragic accident yesterday in Arnhem Land.
“(They) are heartbroken by the loss of their best friend and highly respected colleague Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.
“Our love and thoughts are with Chris’s wife Danielle and two little boys Ted and Austin.”
Topics: Australia
Jayden Collins