Northern Territory crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has been granted bail after facing court over charges relating to an investigation into a helicopter crash that killed his friend and colleague Chris "Willow" Wilson.
Mr Wright, 43, was on Tuesday charged with a range of offences including attempting to pervert the course of justice, after police issued a warrant for his arrest on Monday.
The crash happened in a remote part of west Arnhem Land, 500 kilometres east of Darwin, in February, during an aerial crocodile egg collection.
Mr Wright was not on board the helicopter when it crashed.
During the short hearing in the Darwin Local Court on Wednesday morning, Mr Wright's lawyers sought minor changes to the police bail granted on Tuesday.
His new bail conditions include a requirement that he not make contact with 50 people.
The list includes Neil Mellon and Michael Burbidge, both of whom are facing separate charges in relation to the same investigation.
He is also not allowed to contact members of Mr Wilson's family, including his wife, Danielle Wilson.
The list also includes Darwin businessman Mick Burns.
Mr Wright was required to provide a surety of $20,000, and is allowed to return to Queensland before his case returns to court on January 25.
Outside court, his lawyer, David Newey, read out a statement to the media, saying his client maintained his innocence.
"Matt Wright strenuously denies these charges and will be defending them," he said.
"He is naturally disappointed that the charges have been laid as a result of what was a tragic accident that took the life of Matt's closest friend Chris Wilson."
The lawyer said Mr Wright had asked for the media to respect his and his family's privacy, as well as that of Mr Wilson's family.
Mr Wright did not answer questions from the media, but as he hopped into a waiting car, said: "Going home".
The charges laid on Tuesday also include destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and unlawful entry.
Outside court, Mr Newey told the media that the regulatory investigations had found “no defect in the helicopter's engine".
"The aircraft was flown following an inspection by independent aviation experts a few weeks before and cleared the helicopter to fly," he said.
Mr Wright flew into Darwin with his wife and newborn baby from Queensland via Sydney on Tuesday.
He is the star of National Geographic's Outback Wrangler and the Netflix reality show, Wild Croc Territory, which also prominently featured Mr Wilson.
During tributes following his death, Mr Wright described Mr Wilson, 34, who had two young sons, as a brother and best friend.
