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SBA Communications, the owner of the Houston radio tower that was struck by a helicopter on October 20, has issued a statement regarding the accident. The accident resulted in the deaths of all four individuals, including a child aboard. (BMM 10/21)
“Late in the evening on Sunday, October 20, 2024, we were made aware of a tragic incident that occurred at one of our newly acquired tower sites in the Houston area,” SBA’s statement says. “We are in the process of cooperating with authorities on a full investigation. This is a tragic incident, and we ask everyone to please keep the deceased and their families in their thoughts and prayers.”
SBA acquired the tower in September from Univision, which owns three of the four radio stations previously operating from the site. This acquisition was part of a larger transaction involving multiple towers.
On October 17, the FAA issued a notice regarding a potential obstruction to tower lights, following a report on the 16th that indicated the lights were inoperable. In response, a spokesperson for SBA stated that the company had no prior knowledge of any lighting issues. Surveillance footage from the crash site appeared to show at least one operational flashing light on the tower.
The SBA addressed concerns raised after the recent crash, announcing that upon acquiring the tower, it has implemented a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) for the site. This move aims to prioritize safety during the transition of ownership as the company integrates the tower into its Network Operations Center, which will provide continuous monitoring in compliance with FAA and FCC regulations. NOTAMs are crucial for informing pilots about work updates, potential hazards, or other changes that could affect their flights.
During a news conference on Monday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that the helicopter involved in the incident did not have a flight data recorder. It was not mandated to be equipped with one. Investigators are currently searching for other devices that may contain usable data.
In a recent report from KHOU-TV Houston, the NTSB provided an update on its investigation into the recent crash. NTSB Air Safety Investigator Brian Rutt described the scene as “pretty complex” and emphasized the meticulous approach the agency is taking. “Our goal, along with the FAA, is to piece together the details of how this tragic incident occurred,” Rutt stated.
