Helicopter pilot accused of plot to 'impede' investigation into Outback Wrangler star's death

A well-known helicopter pilot has been accused of being involved in a plot to impede an investigation into a crash that killed a Top End television personality.

Outback Wrangler star Chris "Willow" Wilson died when the helicopter carrying him crashed in a failed crocodile-egg-collecting mission in West Arnhem Land in February.

Michael Burbidge, director of Remote Helicopters Australia, appeared before Darwin Local Court today to face charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice, fabricate and destroy evidence and making a false statement in a declaration.

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Australia's largest saltwater crocodile farmer, Mick Burns, was revealed as a witness in the prosecution's case during today's proceedings.

Defence lawyer Paul Crean requested the 44-year-old's bail conditions be altered to allow him to travel interstate.

Prosecutor Steve Ledek opposed the request due to concerns he may have contact with key witnesses in the case.

"We're trying to safeguard the interests of justice and ensure there is no further corruption or contamination of the evidence that presently exists," Ledek said.

"We're not saying Mr Burbdige is the main player, or indeed a central player, but he is part of an overall matrix of individuals who have come together and done things to obfuscate or impede a proper investigation into the circumstances of that fatality."

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The prosecution also pushed to have seven new names added to the list of people Burbidge is banned from contacting while on bail.

The names include Burns and two other men involved in the February egg-collecting mission: Tye Richardson and Tim Luck.

"There's no application that Mick Burns has done something wrong, he's a witness to these proceedings and that's the concern," Ledek said.

"They are inextricably linked to offence ... Mick Burns was there at the site, Tim Luck was there at the site, Ty Richardson was there at the site ... therefore they are connected to the actual brief of evidence."

Burbidge's lawyer argued his client needed to contact Burns for work purposes and a no-contact order would have significant impacts on his business.

The judge ultimately ruled in favour of the pilot, with Burbidge now permitted to travel interstate.

Burbidge is prohibited from contacting Outback Wrangler host Matt Wright, his wife, Kaia Wright, and executive producer of Outback Wrangler, Nick Fordham.

The trial continues.