Lights on tower hit in deadly helicopter crash had history of not working, SkyEye crew says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Eyewitness News learned the aviation obstruction lights at the top of a radio tower hit by a helicopter in a deadly crash in Houston’s Second Ward have a history of not working.

ABC13’s Don Armstrong, who regularly reports from SkyEye, expressed his long-standing concern about the radio tower at Engelke Street and Ennis Street in the Second Ward. Armstrong said that in all his years of flying in helicopters, the aviation obstruction lighting– red flashing lights at the top of the tower– are often out.

With the background of downtown Houston behind the tower coming up from the south, Armstrong said the tower would be almost impossible to see unless you knew it was there.

Armstrong said part of a pilot’s check before they take off is to see if there are problems with any towers around town. He said the Second Ward tower reported the lighting being out to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just days ago on Oct. 17.

ABC13 obtained surveillance video that shows the moment the Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed into the tower, killing all four people on board, including a child. The ages and identities of the victims were not immediately released.

In the surveillance video, it appeared at least one light on the tower was on, though it’s unclear if the lights were in full working order.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Child among victims killed when helicopter crashed into radio tower in Second Ward, police say

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the helicopter was operating as an air tour flight when it crashed, and caused a fire.

According to HPD Lt. Jonathan French, the area authorities are investigating spans four acres. A reconstruction crew will take a 3D scan of the area, and then evidence will be given to the FAA and NTSB.

Several streets around the crash site were blocked off on Monday morning as this investigation continued.

On Monday night, a small display of balloons sat just outside the perimeter.

“We had a caller coming to the station. There’s a large collapse behind the station with smoke showing. We’re trying to find the exact location,” first responders were heard reporting on radio traffic.

The deadly crash happened right by Fire Station 17 just before 8 p.m. Sunday.

Officials said the private helicopter took off from Ellington Field, but it’s unclear where it was headed.

There were many homes and businesses in the area where it crashed. Thankfully, the helicopter didn’t hit anything else on the way down, and officials said no one on the ground was hurt.

Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz had a message for residents in the area who may come across pieces of the helicopter.

“It will be a large investigation because of the expanse of the accident. So, make sure that if you actually see something on the ground, that you notify either fire or dial the police department so that we can make sure to come out and recover it,” Diaz said.

On Monday, police echoed Diaz’s comments, adding that any debris should be considered evidence.

The FAA, NTSB, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Houston Police Department, and Houston Fire Department are all investigating. THE NTSB asked anyone who witnessed the crash or has surveillance video to contact the agency at witness@ntsb.gov.

The NTSB released a full statement on Monday.

“NTSB is investigating the crash of Robinson R44 II helicopter at 7:51 p.m. Central Time on Oct. 20 near Houston, Texas. The preliminary information we have is that the helicopter was operating as an air tour flight when it crashed into a radio tower under unknown circumstances. A post-impact fire ensued. NTSB investigators are en route to the scene and are expected to arrive later today. Once on site, the investigators will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.

NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records:

• Recordings of any air traffic control communications

• Aircraft maintenance records

• Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident

• Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience

• 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight

• Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation

• Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras

Witnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov. During the on-scene phase of the investigative process, the NTSB does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident. The NTSB has no role in the release of the identities of accident victims and/or the extent and number of injuries nor does it release the identities of those injured or killed; that’s handled by local authorities. A preliminary report will be available within 30 days; it can be accessed by searching our investigations database with the NTSB number CEN25FA019. It will also be posted on NTSB Newsroom Twitter. The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months.”