The Tragic Moment A Helicopter Hits A Radio Tower And Crashes…Killing 4 Including A Child In Houston

Posted • November 2, 2024: Houston, Texas — ABC13 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. SkyEye reporter Don Armstrong said in his years of flying in helicopters, the radio tower at Engelke Street and Ennis Street in the Second Ward has always worried him because the aviation obstruction lighting -- the 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, Don said the tower would be almost impossible to see unless you knew it was there.

Don 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 FAA just days ago on Oct. 17. ABC13 obtained surveillance video that shows the moment the 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.