Read Blog

Read Blog
July 4 Road Closures

°

Homepage / Houston News
Text Size

Pilot, Photographer Die In News Helicopter Crash

POSTED: Monday, October 13, 2008
UPDATED: 6:34 pm CDT October 13, 2008

A pilot and photographer on board Channel 13's helicopter were killed when the aircraft crashed while covering breaking news in Montgomery County on Monday, according to the station.


  • Slideshow: Channel 13 Fatal Helicopter Crash
    KTRK Pilot Killed In Crash Flew For Local 2: Courtney Zavala Reports
    Witnesses Describe Channel 13 Helicopter Crash:
    Amy Davis Reports

    Montgomery County sheriff's deputies said KTRK's SkyEyeHD helicopter went down in the W.G. Jones State Forest along Peoples Road near F.M. 1488 near Magnolia, Texas, shortly after 11 a.m.

    The helicopter was flying over the scene of an officer-involved shooting. It crashed about five miles from that scene.

    "Most of it burned," said Department of Public Safety Sgt. Kenneth Hiebert.

    Pilot John Downhower and photographer Dave Garrett died in the crash. Downhower was employed by Helicopters Inc. and Garrett was employed by Metro Traffic.

    Witnesses said it appeared that Downhower was having trouble controlling the aircraft.

    "It was almost on it's side," witness Dwayne Dean said. "It was probably, I'd say, at about a 45-degree angle."

    KPRC Local 2 pilot Carl O'Connor said Downhower did not make a distress call.

    "We got the call that a media ship was down so I was calling for SkyEye13 and Air 11 (KHOU-TV's helicopter) just to make contact with those two pilots," O'Connor said. "I couldn't reach either one of them. Then Air 11 came back up. I was on the scene at that time and that's about the time I recognized the aircraft wreckage and I saw his tail.

    Downhower often flew Sky 2 for KPRC Local 2. He flew on a police chase along with KPRC Local 2 Chief Photographer Glenn Garcia on Friday.

    "He was a good man, a consummate professional," Garcia said. "He's going to be missed."

    Downhower was a seasoned pilot with more than 8,000 hours of flying time. He flew for television stations in Los Angeles before moving to Houston.

    The helicopter, a Bell Jet Ranger, belonged to Helicopters Inc. It was based at Wilson Air Center at Hobby Airport.

    Helicopters Inc. was founded in 1978 and leases aircraft to about 70 news organizations around the country.

    Downhower was married with two sons and Garrett was married and had a 4-year-old son.

    "All of us at KTRK-TV are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving SkyEye13 and our hearts go out to the families of the pilot and the photographer," station spokesman Tom Ash said.

    The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
    Text Size

    Sponsored Links

    Links We Like

    Sponsored Content
    There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

    By designing a great outdoor living space you can quickly enhance the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. More

    If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

    The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

    Most Popular

    • StoriesClick to Expand

    • VideosClick to Expand

      • Teen Found Dead In Closet

        July 3, 2009: A father finds his daughter dead inside a closet in their northwest Harris County home. Ryan Korsgard reports.

      • Gas Tanker Rip-Offs Caught On Tape

        July 3, 2009: A gasoline tanker scam is broken up with three arrests after undercover Houston police officers tail a semi with video cameras. Stephen Dean reports.

      • Man Charged In Funeral Home Shooting

        Richard Earl ToussiantJuly 3, 2009: A man is wanted after he allegedly fatally shot a man at a visitation for a deceased child. Mary Benton reports.

      • 16-Year-Old Arrested After Chase

        July 3, 2009: Two police cars crash during an 18-mile chase that results in a teenager's arrest. Mariza Reyes reports.

      • Light Show Displays Patriotism

        July 3, 2009: A Baytown man is putting on a patriotic show at his home to spread some cheer. Ryan Korsgard reports.

    • SlideshowsClick to Expand

      • Musicians Who Died Before Their Time

        Michael Jackson is one of many musicians who died before their time. Take a look at some of the other rockers who suffered premature deaths.

      • Faces Of Michael Jackson

        Michael JacksonWhatever the reason, Michael Jackson's face underwent changes from the time he first hit the music scene in 1969 until his death.