National Transportation Safety Board officials are reviewing the records of the pilot involved in Sunday’s helicopter crash in Texas that killed all four people on board.
A helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston on Sunday, sparking a massive fire, killing four people, including a child, in the deadly crash, officials said.
The NTSB said the helicopter was operating an air tour flight and took off from Houston’s Ellington Airport. It was not equipped with a flight recorder or “black box.”
NTSB investigator Brian Rutt said Monday that his “condolences go out to the families and friends of the missing persons,” adding that the wreck is a “complex scene” and that authorities are carefully examining all available evidence. He added that he was investigating.
As part of the crash investigation, NTSB officials are examining the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment, NBC affiliate KPRC-TV reported Tuesday. NTSB officials also began recovering debris for further investigation.
KPRC reports that authorities are also collecting additional information, including helicopter maintenance records, flight trajectory data, records of air traffic control communications, surveillance video, and witness statements.
Houston Police Lt. Jonathan French said several vehicles on the ground were also damaged in the crash, but no one was injured.
“This was a terrible tragedy, but clearly it could have been much worse,” French said Monday.
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days.
