Accident Overview
On October 20, 2024, at approximately 1951 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration N881KE, was destroyed when it collided with a radio tower near Houston, Texas. The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was operating as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 revenue sightseeing flight.
Flight History and Communications
The helicopter departed Ellington Airport in Houston at about 1942. Preliminary ADS-B data and recorded air traffic control communications indicate that it flew north, then northwest at an altitude of approximately 900 ft msl. The pilot contacted the local air traffic controller and requested the “downtown loop.” Several minutes later, the controller issued a traffic advisory for another tour helicopter, N233JD. The accident pilot acknowledged the traffic on her ADS-B. The controller then asked the pilot to maintain visual separation, and the pilot was reading back the instructions when the radio transmission abruptly ended. No further communications were received from the accident helicopter.
Impact and Aftermath
Surveillance videos, witness reports, and helicopter debris embedded in the tower indicate that the helicopter struck the tower about 100 ft from the top of the 1,003-ft structure. The tower was equipped with flashing light beacons at 1,000 ft, 639 ft, and 340 ft above the surface. A surveillance video showed the top and middle beacons flashing as the helicopter approached; the lower beacons were not visible in the video. Upon impact, an explosion occurred, and the helicopter fell to the ground. The tower collapsed onto the helicopter, and a post-impact fire destroyed the helicopter.
Debris and Examination
The debris field extended approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the tower and included fragmented sections of plexiglass, main rotor blades, console components, upholstery, flight controls, and landing gear. Portions of the forward fuselage were found embedded in the tower structure about 100 ft from the top, consistent with video and witness accounts. The helicopter wreckage was retained for further examination.
NOTAM and Tower Status
On October 16, 2024, a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) was issued for the radio tower stating that the tower lights were out of service. According to the tower owner, the NOTAM was issued due to a recent change in ownership, and there were no actual outages with the tower's flashing beacons. The FAA had issued a letter of authorization to the operator for commercial air tour operations on October 7, 2024.