Officials review flight records after helicopter crash in Texas – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

National Transportation Safety Board officials are reviewing the records of the pilot involved in a helicopter crash in Texas on Sunday that killed all four people on board.

The fatal crash killed four people, including a child, after the helicopter hit a radio tower and ignited a large fire in Houston on Sunday, officials said.

The helicopter, which was used as a sightseeing flight, took off from Ellington Airport in Houston, the NTSB said. It was not equipped with a black box or flight recorder.

“Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those involved in the accident,” NTSB investigator Brian Rutt said Monday, adding that the wreck was a “complex crime scene” and officials were carefully reviewing all available evidence.

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.

Officials are also collecting additional information such as helicopter maintenance records, flight route data, as well as air traffic control communications records, surveillance videos and witness statements, KPRC reported.

The accident also sustained some ground damage to vehicles, but no injuries were reported, Lt. Jonathan French of the Houston Police Department.

“This was a terrible tragedy, but of course it could have been much worse,” French said Monday.

The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report in 30 days.