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

The near-fatal helicopter crash involving Dallas CEO Steve Houghton remains one of the most talked-about aviation incidents of recent times, especially given his miraculous survival. In the two years since the tragedy on February 20, 2024, the full scope of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation has revealed a harrowing sequence of events that led to the death of his friend and pilot, Utah CEO Bradford Brown. As of today, December 18, 2025, the final reports offer a chilling look at the risks of low-altitude flight and the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic power line strike over the frozen Ririe Reservoir in Idaho.

The details emerging from the official investigation paint a vivid picture of the sheer speed and unexpected nature of the accident. This article breaks down the most critical and shocking findings from the NTSB's preliminary and final reports, offering an in-depth look at the life of the survivor, the pilot's final moments, and the mechanical failure that sealed the aircraft's fate.

The Survivor: A Complete Biography of Steve Houghton

Steve Houghton, who survived the devastating crash with non-life-threatening injuries, is a prominent figure in the Dallas, Texas business community. His professional and personal life is marked by significant achievement and public recognition, particularly through his family's online presence.

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• Full Name: Steven "Steve" Houghton
• Age (at time of crash): 61 years old
• Residence: Dallas, Texas
• Professional Role: Chairman and CEO of Houghton Capital.
• Business Focus: Houghton Capital is a Dallas-based firm specializing in investments, primarily within the real estate and energy sectors.
• Education: He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University (BYU). His career began with the prestigious Trammell Crow Company.
• Family Connection: Steve Houghton is the husband of Jennifer Houghton, a well-known lifestyle influencer who operates the popular social media account "Turtle Creek Lane." The couple resides in Dallas and has five children.

His survival was widely reported by national news outlets, bringing the typically private business executive into the public eye due to his wife's large social media following.

The Fatal Flight: Anatomy of an Accident Over Ririe Reservoir

The flight that ended tragically near the Ririe Reservoir on February 20, 2024, was intended to be a scenic overflight, not a high-risk maneuver. The aircraft, a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter (tail number N118LG), departed from Rexburg-Madison County Airport (RXE) in Idaho. The pilot, Bradford Brown, was the CEO of ATL Technology, a Utah-based company, and a friend of Houghton's.

The investigation focused heavily on the final moments of the flight, which were recounted by the surviving passenger, Steve Houghton. The conditions were clear, but the terrain was challenging, with the flight path taking them over a frozen body of water surrounded by mountainous areas.

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1. The Pilot's Misjudgment: Attempting to 'Dive Underneath' the Lines

The most shocking and critical detail to emerge from the NTSB preliminary report was the pilot's decision immediately before the crash. According to Steve Houghton's account to investigators, pilot Bradford Brown spotted power lines ahead of them. Instead of ascending to clear the obstruction, Brown reportedly attempted to "dive underneath" the power lines.

This split-second decision proved fatal. Witnesses on snowmobiles in the area corroborated the sudden change in flight path.

2. The Catastrophic Strike: Main Rotor Blade Contact

The attempt to fly beneath the wires failed. The NTSB report confirmed that the helicopter's main rotor blades struck the power lines. The impact immediately compromised the structural integrity and control of the Bell 505. Striking power lines is a frequent cause of fatal low-altitude helicopter accidents, as the wires are difficult to spot, especially against a complex background like a snow-covered landscape.

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3. The Impact and Immediate Aftermath on the Frozen Surface

After the rotor strike, the helicopter was uncontrollable and subsequently impacted the frozen surface of the Ririe Reservoir. The force of the impact was severe, killing Bradford Brown. Steve Houghton, though injured, managed to survive. The crash site was located on the icy reservoir, complicating the initial rescue efforts by the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office.

Houghton was quickly transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls. He was later released and recovered from his injuries, which were thankfully not life-threatening.

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X and Aviation Safety Concerns

The investigation naturally turned to the aircraft itself. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a modern, light utility helicopter. While not a Robinson R44 (an aircraft often scrutinized for its safety record), the accident highlights universal dangers in specific flight environments.

4. The Hazards of Mountain Flying and Wire Strikes

The Ririe Reservoir area is characterized by mountainous terrain, which presents a unique set of challenges for pilots. Known as "mountain flying," this type of operation requires specialized training due to unpredictable wind patterns, high density altitude, and the presence of man-made obstructions like power lines that are often difficult to see.

The NTSB uses this accident as a stark reminder of the "wire environment" hazard, where pilots may not see the wires until it is too late, especially if the flight path is not rigorously planned to avoid them.

5. The Final NTSB Determination and Long-Term Impact

While the final NTSB report takes months to years to complete, the preliminary findings strongly point toward a cause of death resulting from the pilot's decision-making. The sequence—low altitude, encountering power lines, and the attempt to fly underneath—is a classic scenario for a fatal wire-strike accident.

For the Houghton family, the crash brought a wave of public support. Jennifer Houghton, the 'Turtle Creek Lane' influencer, shared updates on her husband's recovery, emphasizing the miracle of his survival. The tragedy served as a profound reminder of life's fragility for their followers and the larger online community.

The loss of Bradford Brown, a respected CEO and experienced pilot, had a significant impact on the Utah business community. The accident report serves as a crucial document for aviation safety experts, contributing to the ongoing discussion about helicopter operation safety, particularly near known obstructions and in complex terrains.