HOUSTON – The NTSB says they have obtained the records of the pilot involved in Sunday’s deadly helicopter crash in Houston’s East End.
In a Tuesday update, the agency says they are beginning the process of reviewing the records as well as working to start recovering the wreckage for further examination.
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On Wednesday, the agency says they will visit the air tour company, National Helicopter Solutions, to learn more about their operations.
The deadly crash killed four people, including a child, when the helicopter hit a communications tower and crashed at Engelke Street and Ennis Street in Houston’s Second Ward in the East End.
According to data from FlightAware, the helicopter was flying at 108 mph when the crash occurred. FlightAware data also show that same helicopter took the very same tour -- twice -- earlier the day of the crash.
No one on the ground was hurt from the crash and the collapse of the tower which was hit. No structures on the ground other than the tower were damaged.
The NTSB is looking at three primary areas as part of its investigation: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. The following information and records will be gathered as part of the investigation:
- Flight track data
- 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
- Witness statements
- Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation
- Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras
The agency says a preliminary report will come out within 30 days.
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