The paper reported that last week the ATSB upgraded its investigation from “defined” to “systemic”, which The Australian said meant the watchdog was now looking at “organisational processes, systems, cultures and other factors” and expects to identify “several safety issues”.

The R44 Raven II, which was destroyed, was owned and run by Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s company Helibrook.

On the investigation section of its website for the crash, the ATSB has a sub heading “further investigation” which lists that it will examine electronic components retrieved from the accident site, fuel system components, refuelling practices, fuel quality, maintenance records, operational documentation, regulations, and survivability aspects.

“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken,” the website states.

The ATSB released its preliminary report on April 19, and says a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. It had previously confirmed it “anticipated” its final report into the helicopter crash would be published by the end of 2022 but now the website seems to give no indication of a release date.

The Australian reported the bureau had put the deadline for publishing its findings to June.

Mr Wilson, 34, was killed in February when the helicopter he was reportedly suspended from while collecting crocodile eggs crashed near King River in East Arnhem Land.

Pilot Sebastian Robinson was seriously injured in the crash but survived.

The Australian reported Mr Wright flew to the crash site with high profile Darwin publican and crocodile farmer Mick Burns, and former senior NT policeman Neil Mellon.

Mr Burns owns the crocodile-egg harvesting business.

At the end of November Mr Wright turned himself in to NT Police after an arrest warrant was issued, and he was formally charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, fabricating evidence, two counts of unlawful entry (building and residence), making a false declaration and making threats/reprisals “interfere with witnesses – Criminal Investigation/Court Processes”.

Mr Wright’s spokesman issued a media statement at the time that Mr Wright denies the allegations of wrongdoing and will fight the charges.

In August then NT Police officer Mr Mellon was arrested and handcuffed while working as watch commander, with police later charging him with 31 offences, that also included conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and destruction of evidence connected to the helicopter crash.

Mick Burbidge, who owns Remote Helicopters Australia was charged in October for alleged offences related to the February crash, including destroying evidence, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and making a false declaration.