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The Miracle Survival: What The NTSB Preliminary Report Reveals About The Steve Houghton Helicopter Crash

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The business and social media worlds were rocked by the news of a devastating helicopter crash in Idaho on February 20, 2025, an incident that tragically claimed one life while miraculously sparing another. This article provides the most current and updated information regarding the accident involving Dallas-based CEO Steve Houghton, whose survival against the odds has been described by his family as nothing short of a miracle. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released preliminary findings, shedding light on the final moments of the flight and the immediate aftermath of the impact on the frozen Ririe Reservoir.

The crash, which involved a high-end Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter, has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the passenger, Steve Houghton, and his wife, popular lifestyle influencer Jennifer Houghton, also known as "Turtle Creek Lane." The investigation continues, but initial reports detail a tragic mission to film wildlife that ended in a fatal collision with the icy surface of the lake.

Steve Houghton: Biography, Business Ventures, and Family

Steve Houghton is a highly successful American businessman, investor, and entrepreneur. The 61-year-old Texas native is recognized for his leadership in various sectors, particularly finance and technology.

  • Full Name: Steve Houghton
  • Age: 61 (at the time of the crash)
  • Residence: Dallas, Texas
  • Primary Role: Chairman and CEO of Houghton Capital
  • Key Business Focus: Houghton Capital is a privately owned investment boutique specializing in special situations within the energy, real estate, self-storage, and oil & gas industries.
  • Other Ventures: He is also the co-founder and Chairman of ProPay, a prominent payment solutions and processing firm.
  • Spouse: Jennifer Houghton, a well-known lifestyle and home décor influencer with a massive following under the moniker "Turtle Creek Lane."
  • Family: The couple has a large, close-knit family often featured on Jennifer’s social media channels.

Details of the Fatal February 20, 2025 Helicopter Crash

The accident occurred on the afternoon of February 20, 2025, over the Ririe Reservoir, located near Idaho Falls, Idaho. The crash tragically killed the pilot and owner of the aircraft, Utah CEO Bradford Brown, and severely injured passenger Steve Houghton.

The Final Flight Path and Mission

According to the NTSB's preliminary report on the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X (registration N118LG), the helicopter departed from Rexburg-Madison County Airport (RXE) with the intention of flying over the Ririe Reservoir area. The purpose of the flight was to video a large herd of elk in the area.

The pilot, 59-year-old Bradford Brown, was the CEO of ATL Technology, a Utah-based medical device company. He was a friend of Houghton's and an experienced rotorcraft pilot.

The Impact and Aftermath

The preliminary data indicates the helicopter impacted the frozen surface of the Ririe Reservoir at approximately 4:40 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The aircraft came to rest on its side, partially breaking through the thick ice.

Tragically, Bradford Brown was killed on impact and became trapped in the water below the ice level. Steve Houghton, however, was able to escape the wreckage, a feat his family and investigators have described as astonishing given the severity of the crash and the icy conditions.

Emergency responders from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies quickly arrived at the scene, located between Ririe Dam and the Blacktail Access area. Houghton was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC).

Steve Houghton's 'Miraculous' Survival and Injuries

The extent of Steve Houghton’s injuries, while serious, was considered non-life-threatening, leading to his quick release from the hospital. His daughter-in-law, Kimmy Houghton, noted on social media that doctors were baffled by his survival.

List of Injuries:

  • Five broken ribs
  • Considerable swelling in both knees
  • A very sore neck
  • Various other bruises and swelling

His wife, Jennifer Houghton, shared updates with her "Turtle Creek Lane" followers, expressing gratitude for his survival. She described his recovery as a long road ahead but emphasized the overwhelming relief that he was alive. The family flew immediately from Dallas, Texas, to Idaho Falls to be by his side.

The survival of the passenger in a high-impact helicopter crash involving a collision with a water/ice surface is a testament to modern aircraft crashworthiness and a remarkable stroke of luck. The quick response of the first responders and the presence of a witness on a snowmobile likely also played a crucial role in the rescue operation.

The Ongoing NTSB and FAA Investigation

The official investigation into the cause of the Ririe Reservoir helicopter crash is being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While the preliminary report confirms the flight details and the immediate physical outcome, the final determination of the cause is still pending.

Accident investigation experts often look at several factors in these types of incidents, including:

  • Pilot Experience: While Brown was an experienced rotorcraft pilot, investigators will review his flight hours in the specific Bell 505 model.
  • Environmental Factors: Weather conditions, visibility, and the presence of ice on the reservoir are all critical entities in the investigation.
  • Mechanical Failure: A thorough examination of the Bell 505 wreckage will be conducted to rule out any pre-impact mechanical issues.
  • Wirestrike Potential: Given the low-altitude nature of some wildlife filming, the possibility of a wirestrike or collision with an unseen object is a common consideration in helicopter accident analysis.

The final NTSB report, which provides the probable cause of the accident, can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to be released. Until then, the focus remains on the preliminary findings and the ongoing recovery of Steve Houghton, whose story serves as a powerful reminder of both the inherent dangers of aviation and the sheer resilience of the human spirit.

The Miracle Survival: What the NTSB Preliminary Report Reveals About the Steve Houghton Helicopter Crash
steve houghton helicopter crash
steve houghton helicopter crash

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