NTSB Issues Preliminary Report On Houston Helicopter Crash

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report regarding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of four individuals, including a family of three and the pilot.

The helicopter crashed into the tower of Univision’s Que Buena 102.9, Latino Mix 104.9, and Black Talk 1230 KCOH in Houston. The incident collapsed the 1,000-foot tower. (BMM 10/21)

According to the NTSB preliminary report, the helicopter was conducting a sightseeing tour under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations when it took off from Ellington Airport at approximately 7:42 pm. The aircraft initially headed north before veering northwest, flying at an altitude of about 900 feet.

Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted air traffic control to request a detour over downtown Houston. In response, the air traffic controller informed the pilot of an additional tour helicopter operating nearby and advised her to ensure visual separation from the surrounding traffic.

The pilot acknowledged the instruction, but her transmission abruptly cut off moments later, and no further communications were received.

A recent report indicates that the radio tower had three light beacons positioned at 1,000 feet, 639 feet, and 340 feet above ground level. Surveillance footage reveals that both the top and middle beacons were operational, while the lower beacon was not visible.

Authorities report that the helicopter crashed approximately 100 feet from the top of the tower.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the recent accident. It utilizes Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data alongside air traffic control recordings to piece together the events that unfolded before the crash.

BMM Staff