The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released the findings of its investigation into the incident today, saying fuel exhaustion was the likely cause, and that Wilson was dropped from an unsurvivable height while on a sling line during the 2022 crash.
”Based on an analysis of fuel samples and other evidence, the ATSB investigation found that the helicopter was likely not refuelled at a fuel depot about three-quarters of the way between Darwin and the crocodile egg collecting area, and that the pilot did not identify the reducing fuel state before the helicopter’s engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
The investigation also found the helicopter operator wasn’t using its safety management system during the flight when Wilson was being carried in the sling to collect crocodile eggs.
”As a result, the operator did not adequately address the risks inherent in conducting human sling operations, such as carriage of the egg collector above a survivable fall height,” Mitchell said.
Read Related Also: The evolution of handheld gaming
“In addition, and although not assessed on the evidence as having been contributory to this accident, the operator’s history of non-compliance with regulatory requirements, maintenance standards and accurate record keeping, increased the risk level for much of their aviation activities.”
He has denied all wrongdoing.
The pilot of the chopper, Sebastian Robinson, sustained serious injuries during the crash and had to be airlifted from the scene.
Another helicopter pilot, Michael Burbidge, and former police officer Neil Mellon were also charged with a number of offences over the crash, including perverting the course of justice.
