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5 Shocking Details From The NTSB Report On Steve Houghton's Fatal Helicopter Crash

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The harrowing incident involving businessman Steve Houghton, which was widely searched as a "plane crash," was in fact a fatal helicopter accident that occurred on February 20, 2025, near Ririe, Idaho. This tragedy claimed the life of the pilot, Bradford Brown, and left Houghton, the surviving passenger, with injuries. The details of the crash, including the specific cause and the remarkable survival of the CEO of Houghton Capital, have since been released in the official National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report, providing a clear and comprehensive account of the wirestrike accident. The ongoing investigation continues to analyze the final moments of the flight, but the initial NTSB findings have shed light on the circumstances that led to the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter going down on the frozen surface of the Ririe Reservoir. The event captured national attention due to the high-profile nature of the survivor and the tragic loss of the pilot.

Steve Houghton: Biography, Career, and Personal Life

The passenger who miraculously survived the Ririe Reservoir helicopter crash is a prominent figure in the business world. Here is a detailed look at his life and career:
  • Full Name: Steve Houghton
  • Age: 61 (at the time of the crash)
  • Hometown/Residence: Dallas, Texas, United States
  • Primary Profession: American Entrepreneur, Business Executive
  • Current Role: Chairman and CEO of Houghton Capital
  • Business Sectors: Finance and Real Estate
  • Wife: Jennifer Houghton (Social media influencer known as @TurtleCreekLane)
  • Family: Married with children
  • Noteworthy: Known for his successful business ventures and his wife’s popular social media presence, which detailed the aftermath of the accident.
Houghton is a highly successful entrepreneur whose career spans decades in finance and real estate, establishing him as the Chairman and CEO of Houghton Capital. He is a recognized figure in Dallas, Texas, and is also known nationally through his wife, Jennifer Houghton, a popular social media influencer who kept followers updated during his recovery.

The Fatal Ririe Reservoir Helicopter Crash: What Happened on February 20, 2025?

The accident, which is frequently misidentified as a "plane crash," involved a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter, registered N118LG. On the afternoon of February 20, 2025, the aircraft was operating near the Ririe Dam in Bonneville County, Idaho. The flight was piloted by Bradford "Brad" Brown, a Utah-based CEO and a friend of Steve Houghton. The two were reportedly flying in the area when the accident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. local time. The conditions at the time, including the visibility of power lines over the frozen reservoir, became a critical factor in the subsequent NTSB investigation. The crash was a devastating event that instantly killed the pilot, Brad Brown, and severely damaged the expensive aircraft.

5 Key Findings from the NTSB Preliminary Report

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report detailing the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the fatal Bell 505 crash. These findings provide crucial insights into what caused the tragedy and how Steve Houghton survived:
  1. Wirestrike Confirmed as Cause: The preliminary investigation determined that the helicopter struck power lines spanning the Ririe Reservoir. This wirestrike was the direct cause of the accident, causing the aircraft to lose control and impact the frozen surface of the water.
  2. Impact on Frozen Reservoir: The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X crashed onto the ice of the Ririe Reservoir, a detail that was crucial for the immediate aftermath and rescue efforts. The impact was severe, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
  3. Pilot Fatality and Passenger Survival: Pilot Bradford Brown was fatally injured in the crash. Miraculously, the passenger, Steve Houghton, survived the high-impact event. He was transported to a local hospital, EIRMC, with non-life-threatening injuries.
  4. Houghton Exited Unassisted: One of the most remarkable details in the NTSB report is that Steve Houghton was able to exit the wreckage of the helicopter unassisted. This incredible feat of survival immediately after such a devastating accident contributed significantly to his recovery.
  5. Engine Running Post-Crash: Witnesses and the NTSB report noted that the helicopter's engine was still running after the impact. It eventually turned off on its own. This detail is important for the ongoing investigation into the mechanical and operational status of the aircraft immediately following the wirestrike.

The Aftermath and Steve Houghton's Road to Recovery

Following the accident, Steve Houghton was rushed to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC). Despite the severity of the helicopter crash, medical professionals determined that his injuries were non-life-threatening. The Houghton family, including his wife Jennifer, traveled from Dallas, Texas, to Idaho Falls to be by his side. Jennifer Houghton, through her popular social media channel (@TurtleCreekLane), provided continuous updates on her husband's condition, sharing the emotional journey of his recovery. This public sharing offered a rare look into the personal toll of a major aviation accident. The family expressed profound gratitude for the support and the fact that Steve was released from the hospital relatively quickly, given the circumstances.

Tributes to Pilot Bradford Brown

The tragic loss of pilot Bradford Brown was a central focus of the aftermath. Brown, a Utah CEO, was a friend of Steve Houghton. Tributes poured in for Brown, highlighting his life and career. The NTSB investigation, while focusing on the technical aspects of the wirestrike and crash, underscored the ultimate human cost of the accident. The community mourned the loss of a prominent individual, and the Houghton family specifically acknowledged the sacrifice and tragedy of Brown's death in their public statements. The final NTSB report, which will detail the full probable cause and any contributing factors beyond the preliminary wirestrike confirmation, is still pending. However, the existing information provides a comprehensive and sobering account of one of the most talked-about aviation accidents of 2025. The event serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of wire-awareness for low-altitude helicopter operations.
steve houghton plane crash
steve houghton plane crash

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