HOUSTON, Texas – On Sunday night in Houston’s East End, residents were alarmed by a loud boom that turned out to be a helicopter crash in their neighborhood.
Tragically, four people lost their lives when the helicopter struck a radio tower at the intersection of Engelke and Ennis streets.
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Houston first responders reported that the helicopter had departed from Ellington Field Airport and was on a tour flight to an unknown destination when it crashed under “unknown circumstances.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation immediately after the incident to determine the cause of the crash.
On Monday, KPRC 2 News was at the scene as NTSB investigators searched the four-acre crash site for debris and began collecting evidence.
So, what happens next?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is also investigating the crash and the helicopter’s regulations, the NTSB will continue its investigation over the coming days. Once complete, the helicopter’s debris will be transported to a secure facility in Dallas for storage and further analysis.
Typically, the debris is stored in a hangar, and depending on the extent of the damage, NTSB investigators will continue their work at the site until the investigation is complete.
According to a Houston-based FAA spokesperson, this process can take anywhere from days to months.
Once the investigation concludes, the NTSB will determine whether the debris should be discarded.
The NTSB said a preliminary report will be available within 30 days and can be accessed via social media or by searching the investigations database using the NTSB number CEN25FA019.
This preliminary report is set to include factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. The probable cause of the crash, along with any contributing factors, will be detailed in the final report, which is expected to be completed in 12 to 24 months, according to the NTSB.
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