A pilot left paraplegic after a helicopter crash that killed Outback Wrangler star Chris 'Willow' Wilson has denied being a drug dealer, but admitted to sourcing small amounts of cocaine for friends. Sebastian Robinson gave evidence via video link from his wheelchair in Darwin's Supreme Court on Thursday, during the trial of celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright, who is accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice after the crash.
Prosecutors allege Wright was concerned that crash investigators would discover flight-time meters had been disconnected to extend flying hours beyond official limits. The crash occurred in February 2022 in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, when Wilson fell from a sling beneath the helicopter while collecting crocodile eggs, before the aircraft crashed, seriously injuring Robinson.
During cross-examination, senior defence counsel David Edwardson KC read out text messages from Robinson's phone, dated between November 2018 and August 2021, detailing exchanges about cocaine. Messages included queries such as 'getting more coke' and 'footie players in town and want bags'. Robinson said he could not recall the messages and denied supplying cocaine, but admitted to sourcing 'very minimal' amounts for others, who paid him for the drugs.
Robinson, who has previously admitted to using cocaine about twice a year, also denied flying helicopters while under the influence. He told the court he had no recollection of the weeks before the accident, but vigorously denied the crash was caused by running out of fuel, stating, 'I can guarantee you I did not run out of fuel... it was full from the croc farm.'
Edwardson suggested that if the aircraft had run out of fuel, Robinson would face blame and charges over the crash and Wilson's death. Robinson also admitted to allowing Wilson, a trainee pilot, to fly with him on helicopters with dual controls, despite it being illegal and against Wright's instructions. A selfie taken by Wilson on the day of the crash showed him flying the helicopter while Robinson appeared asleep beside him.
The charges against Wright do not relate to the cause of the accident, and the prosecution does not allege he is responsible for the crash. The trial continues.
