🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 149 (from laksa031)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa149.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://apnews.com/article/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://apnews.com/article/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564","crawl_time":1776437061,"first_indexed_time":1612884764,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,apnews!\/article\/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564 s443","src_root_hash":"13170802201813479149","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"US officials: Pilot error caused Kobe Bryant chopper crash | AP News","meta_descriptions":["LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying\nKobe Bryant\n, killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California hillside, federal safety officials said Tuesday.\nThe National Transportation Safety Board primarily blamed pilot Ara Zobayan in the\nJan. 26, 2020\ncrash that killed him along with Bryant, the basketball star’s\ndaughter\nand six other passengers heading to a\ngirls basketball tournament\n.\nZobayan,\nan experienced pilot\n, ignored his training, violated flight rules by flying into conditions where he couldn’t see and failed to take alternate measures, such as slowing down and landing or switching to auto-pilot, that would have averted the tragedy.\nThe NTSB said it was likely Zobayan felt pressure to deliver his star client to his daughter’s game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Officials believe Zobayan may have also felt “continuation bias,” an unconscious tendency among pilots to stick with the original plan despite changing conditions.\n“The closer you get to the destination the more you think just maybe you can pull this off,” NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Tuesday.\nThe agency announced the long-awaited findings during a four-hour hearing pinpointing probable causes of what went awry in the\n40-minute flight\n. The crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation.\nThe agency also faulted Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, for inadequate review and oversight of safety matters.\nWhen Zobayan decided to\nclimb above the clouds\n, he entered a trap that has doomed many flights. Once a pilot loses visual cues by flying into fog or darkness, the inner ear can send erroneous signals to the brain that causes spatial disorientation. It’s sometimes known as “the leans,” causing pilots to believe they are flying aircraft straight and level when they are banking.\nZobayan radioed air traffic controllers that he was climbing when, in fact, he was banking and descending rapidly toward the steep hills near Calabasas, NTSB investigators concluded.\nFlying under visual flight rules, Zobayan was required to be able to see where he was going. Flying into the cloud was a violation of that standard and probably led to his disorientation, NTSB said.\nThere were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said.\nSign up for Morning Wire:\nOur flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\nEmail address\nBy checking this box, you agree to AP's\nTerms of Use\nand acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our\nPrivacy Policy\n.\n“What part of cloud, when you’re on a visual flight rules program, do pilots not understand?” Landsberg said.\nNTSB member Michael Graham said Zobayan ignored his training and added that that as long as helicopter pilots continue flying into clouds without relying on instruments, which requires a high level of training, “a certain percentage aren’t going to come out alive.”\nZobayan had been certified to fly using only instruments, but was no longer proficient, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said.\nThe Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) per minute when it slammed into the hillside and ignited, scattering debris over an area the size of a football field. The victims died immediately.\nBryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six others who left Orange County that morning were headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County. The group had flown to the same destination the previous day and Zobayan had flown Bryant along that route at least 10 times in 2019.\nThe aircraft itself had been flown on largely direct routes between the airports in Orange and Ventura counties about\ntwo dozen times\nsince late 2018, data shows, but the pilot took the chopper further north because of low visibility that day.\nThere was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said.\nThe helicopter did not have so-called “black box” recording devices, which were not required, that would have given investigators a better understanding of what happened.\nThe NTSB report reiterated a previous recommendation to require flight data and cockpit voice recorders on choppers, but the agency only investigates transportation-related crashes. It has no enforcement powers and must submit suggestions to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some board safety recommendations after other transportation disasters.\nOver the past year, experts speculated that the crash could lead to a recommendation for requiring helicopters to have\nTerrain Awareness and Warning System\ndevices, which signal when aircraft are in danger of crashing.\nBut NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash.\nThe hilly terrain, combined with the disorientation, would have made the warning system “a confusing factor,” English said.\n“The pilot doesn’t know which way is up,” English said.\nFederal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers.\nThe NTSB report is likely to factor into litigation in the case, whether it’s admissible in court or not, said Dallas lawyer Michael Lyons.\nThe crash generated lawsuits and countersuits, with Bryant’s widow suing Island Express and the pilot for wrongful death on the day a\nmassive public memorial\nwas held almost a year ago at Staples Center, where the Lakers all-star played most his career.\nVanessa Bryant\nsaid Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp., did not properly train or supervise Zobayan. She said the pilot was careless and negligent to fly in fog and should have aborted the flight.\nZobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and that his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control.\nLawyers for Berge Zobayan and\nIsland Express\nsaid they had no comment on the NTSB findings.\nFamilies\nof other victims sued the helicopter companies but not the pilot.\nThe others killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach\nJohn Altobelli\n, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates.\nThe companies have countersued two FAA air traffic controllers, saying the crash was caused by their “series of erroneous acts and\/or omissions.”\nWhile air traffic controllers failed to report the loss of radar contact and radar communication with the flight, which was inconsistent with their procedures, it did not contribute to the crash, the NTSB said.","attrs_markdown":"[Enable accessibility](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564)\n\n**0**\n\n[![AP Logo](https:\/\/assets.apnews.com\/19\/66\/bc546486408c8595f01753a9fbeb\/ap-logo-176-by-208.svg)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/)\n\nMenu\n\n- [World](https:\/\/apnews.com\/world-news)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Iran war](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/iran) [Russia-Ukraine war](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/russia-ukraine) [Español](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias) [China](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/china) [Asia Pacific](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/asia-pacific) [Latin America](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/latin-america) [Europe](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/europe) [Africa](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/africa)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [AP Exclusive: Europe has 'maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left,' energy agency head warns](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/iran-war-europe-jet-fuel-flight-cancellations-birol-6e67fafd493861b3858de5548aa77703)\n  - [LIVE Strait of Hormuz opens, Trump and Iran’s foreign minister say, as truce in Lebanon seems to hold](https:\/\/apnews.com\/live\/iran-war-israel-trump-04-17-2026)\n  - [Airline adding bunk beds for economy travelers but bans snacks, smells and cuddling](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/air-new-zealand-economy-bunk-beds-sleep-c2c434f60116f332c0ce96c69d662c3b)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The Morning Wire Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Morning+Wire+Subscribers)\n  \n  [The Afternoon Wire Get caught up on what you may have missed throughout the day.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Afternoon+Wire)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [U.S.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/us-news)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Immigration](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/immigration) [Weather](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/weather) [Education](https:\/\/apnews.com\/education) [Transportation](https:\/\/apnews.com\/us-news\/transportation) [Abortion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/abortion) [LGBTQ+](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/lgbtq) [Notable Deaths](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/obituaries)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Justin Fairfax killed his estranged wife and himself 2 weeks before a court deadline to move out](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/virginia-justin-fairfax-death-e10bd0f6327852933e15c8d9af559cd3)\n  - [The informant earned millions working for the DEA. He paid no taxes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/dea-informant-taxes-undercover-andres-zapata-4ec0d868f88d599c7133cda0f0bae493)\n  - [County prosecutor charges ICE agent with assault for pointing gun at people on Minneapolis highway](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/immigration-minnesota-federal-officer-assault-charge-3083400c9b7d45fea4170a6abee7d290)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The Morning Wire Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Morning+Wire+Subscribers)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n  \n  AP QUIZZES\n  \n  [Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz](https:\/\/apnews.com\/quizzes)\n- [Politics](https:\/\/apnews.com\/politics)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [2026 Elections](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/elections) [Election Results](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/elections-2026\/) [Election calendar](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/elections-2026\/calendar\/) [White House](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/donald-trump) [Congress](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/congress) [Supreme Court](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/us-supreme-court) [The latest AP-NORC polls](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/polling-tracker\/) [Ground Game](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ground-game)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Federal agency approves concept for Trump's plan for a Triumphal Arch in Washington](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-arch-eisenhower-building-white-house-visitors-e4bd76b1d0dd3c597efb03f55c87390e)\n  - [House extends surveillance powers until April 30 after late-night revolt sinks GOP plan](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/congress-foreign-surveillance-fisa-spy-agencies-3dc3e84c3b9b03f52b84dfb3b01fc770)\n  - [Trump draws Marie Antoinette comparisons as he leans into the gilded trappings of the presidency](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-renovations-marie-antoinette-ballroom-affordability-midterms-5015c7f144fc3bdbb731ebb1f5747a97)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [Ground Game Exclusive insights and key stories from the world of politics.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Ground_Game)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Sports](https:\/\/apnews.com\/sports)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [NBA](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nba) [MLB](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/mlb) [NFL](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nfl) [Golf](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/golf) [Soccer](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer) [NHL](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nhl) [Auto Racing](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/auto-racing) [AP Top 25 College Football Poll](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-top-25-college-football-poll)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger dies after car reportedly hit by a train](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/alex-manninger-dies-14ef4d9b91129426801dce8328cb2835)\n  - [Heat, Hornets react to NBA ruling on uncalled LaMelo Ball foul, and how he'll be eligible to play](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nba-lamelo-ball-bam-adebayo-cd7819ce66e1c3bf3609c440d93dc880)\n  - [Ronaldo and Portugal get another shot at World Cup glory in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, Congo](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/world-cup-portugal-ronaldo-colombia-uzbekistan-congo-d770694c245f7a99eb70a4057ec502e1)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [AP Top 25 Poll Alerts Get email alerts for every college football Top 25 Poll release.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=AP_CFB_Top_25_Poll_Alerts)\n  \n  [The Sports Wire Your home base for in-depth reporting from the world of sports.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Sports+HQ)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/apnews.com\/entertainment)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Movies](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/movies) [Fashion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fashion) [Television](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/television) [Celebrity Interviews](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/celebrity-interviews\/) [Music](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/music) [Books](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/books-and-literature)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Singer D4vd is arrested in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/d4vd-suspect-celeste-rivas-hernandez-f58e2983916aaf3340cc48b7e711118f)\n  - [Who should be the next James Bond? 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Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [Simple ways to make meetings work better for employees on the autism spectrum](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/autism-awareness-work-neurodivergent-meetings-89dfea1bd912184ab06283774cbe3def)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Photography](https:\/\/apnews.com\/photography)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [2025 YEAR END PHOTOS](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/2025-year-end-photos) [Photo Essays](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/photo-essays)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Working unseen to frame risk and ritual in a conflict-zone funeral](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/funeral-gunfire-conflict-zone-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [How a remote camera captured the Artemis II launch and startled birds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/artemis-ii-launch-one-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [Democrats are becoming a force in traditionally conservative The Villages](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/energized-democrats-conservative-villages-harris-emhoff-320a1cff9d66d806c41bc3dee9210975)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The World in Pictures Get The AP’s most compelling photographs sent directly to your inbox.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Photo+Gallery)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [AP Investigations](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-investigations\/)\n- [Climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Indigenous peoples and climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment\/indigenous-peoples-adapting-to-and-combatting-climate-change) [Climate Questions](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-questions) [Climate Migration](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-migration) [India Focus](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/india-climate)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Senate Republicans send Trump resolution to lift mining ban near Boundary Waters Canoe Area](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mining-moratorium-boundary-waters-senate-vote-3e3f0827d52dd6d37f5e554b804ff27c)\n  - [Tijuana River sewage is making the air toxic and sickening thousands in California](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/tijuana-river-sewage-toxins-health-7351200b7d42ad21a6fe7fcb36d0a22d)\n  - [A lost icon: The American chestnut and its central place in the eastern landscape](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/american-chestnut-tree-extinction-culture-973116a9bfed5b770bd1368a560e49f2)\n- [Health](https:\/\/apnews.com\/health)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Younger adult colon cancer deaths are concentrated in people with less education, study says](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/colon-cancer-deaths-young-adults-78c0a3287f2d29575b4004e07230b993)\n  - [Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n  - [A small but growing movement wants you to put down your phone. But first read this](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/internet-screens-phone-addiction-attention-bde9f575a54921ca320d30519783c250)\n  - [FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and other MAHA figures](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/peptides-fda-kennedy-injection-bpc157-37bf2f94f0e8a57da76e67a03b58ff0f)\n  - [How to spot and help someone in a mental health crisis](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mental-health-suicide-988-crisis-therapy-trauma-22f75d00b3a39d6fd07f40fd1a887c68)\n- [Tech](https:\/\/apnews.com\/technology)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Artificial Intelligence](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/artificial-intelligence) [Social Media](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/social-media)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [AI is a gold mine for spammers and scammers, but Google is using it as a tool to fight back](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/google-ads-safety-report-ai-scams-defense-06d9ef869958555884989e8ec25974be)\n  - [Humanoid robots show off their language and boxing skills in Hong Kong](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/robots-humanoid-hong-kong-china-5669f3e8147f2795ec352d9811619a7b)\n  - [Jury finds Instagram and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction trial](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/social-media-addiction-trial-la-5e54075023d837ccdc76c4ca512e925d)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/apnews.com\/lifestyle)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Food & Recipes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/recipes) [Gardening](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/gardening) [Fashion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fashion) [Homes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/homes) [Travel](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/travel) [Pets](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/pets)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Plastic garden gear can add microplastics to the soil. Here are some alternatives](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/gardening-plastics-microplastics-soil-1d59fc57ea912beddd41aa1891c5a7da)\n  - [Raffle winner thrilled to claim a \\$1 million Picasso with a \\$117 ticket](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/france-picasso-alzheimers-raffle-63f48af536760e116885d48b211015de)\n  - ['Out of many, one,' says a US national motto. What does that push for unity mean today?](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/america-250-unity-divided-nation-5b261c76592d6637e0b381221d93b424)\n- [Religion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/religion)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [China raises pressure on underground Catholics to join official church, Human Rights Watch finds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/china-catholics-religious-freedom-pope-leo-f50b3819e9bd1765b18246394cf07dbb)\n  - [A dispatch from inside the Vatican bubble during a remarkable exchange between pope and president](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/pope-leo-xiv-media-coverage-trump-africa-bb65bbd4d88949e549f0b0b27916d5da)\n  - [What a new Gallup poll shows about young men's religious revival](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/religion-church-evangelical-men-women-poll-f2b07f8d5e0e29b7b75334a8b2bbd3a6)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [World of Faith Comprehensive global coverage of how religion shapes our world.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=World+of+Faith)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Español](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Deportes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/deportes) [Donald Trump](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias\/donald-trump)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - 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A few out-of-the-box ideas](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/james-bond-casting-ideas-281336ba17a068d17be287981303acf1)\n  - ['Avengers: Doomsday' footage, 'Mandalorian' opening unveiled at CinemaCon](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/cinemacon-disney-star-wars-marvel-654f2c37aa97031320ac26b6dc89881b)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [AP Entertainment Wire Get AP's first personalized newsletter delivering you entertainment news twice a week.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=AP+Entertainment+Wire)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Business](https:\/\/apnews.com\/business)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Tariffs](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/tariffs) [Inflation](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/inflation) [Financial Markets](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/financial-markets) [Financial Wellness](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/financial-wellness) [Technology](https:\/\/apnews.com\/technology)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [QVC prepares for bankruptcy protection in the era of influencers, TikTok and Temu](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/qvc-bankruptcy-retail-9cbd98c14641ae7bb65c9d2dbb986fc9)\n  - [Jet fuel supplies are lagging. What does that mean for airlines and travelers?](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/jet-fuel-shortage-iran-war-iea-travel-b77b3d7113e88d1862f90db433cb95af)\n  - [Simple ways to make meetings work better for employees on the autism spectrum](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/autism-awareness-work-neurodivergent-meetings-89dfea1bd912184ab06283774cbe3def)\n- [Science](https:\/\/apnews.com\/science)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Space](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/space) [Animals](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/animals) [The Ancient World](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/archaeology-and-anthropology) [Climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment) [Medicine](https:\/\/apnews.com\/health)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Artemis II astronauts praise their moonship's performance, especially the heat shield](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nasa-artemis-moon-astronauts-e5f210b79bd269e9d402ef291623f5e9)\n- [Fact Check](https:\/\/apnews.com\/ap-fact-check)\n- [Oddities](https:\/\/apnews.com\/oddities)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Hot dogs and steaks and bacon, oh my! Meat raffles keep a beloved Midwest tradition alive](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/meat-raffles-charity-gambling-minnesota-wisconsin-ny-a9700ca9e106a618903c73a5d6a9abd3)\n  - [Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrates her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/gorilla-germany-fatou-berlin-zoo-0196b95f3b6d48593bb7c872cab51adf)\n  - [Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/drunk-raccoon-liquor-store-bandit-virginia-5109feb2ea9ab9bf8954ec3798689fd0)\n  - [Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/argentina-teenagers-identifying-as-animals-therians-tiktok-54d158c4842f6515e31d83a260cdf31f)\n  - [People 'bathe' in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/forest-bathing-stress-relief-77807628ff6af6b8925c019b41a125bc)\n  - [Humanoid robots run a Chinese half-marathon alongside flesh-and-blood competitors](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/china-robot-half-marathon-153c6823bd628625106ed26267874d21)\n- [Be Well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Trending](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-trending) [Better health](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-health) [At home](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-living) [Working well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/working-well) [For the climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-climate) [Eating well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-food)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [Simple ways to make meetings work better for employees on the autism spectrum](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/autism-awareness-work-neurodivergent-meetings-89dfea1bd912184ab06283774cbe3def)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Photography](https:\/\/apnews.com\/photography)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [2025 YEAR END PHOTOS](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/2025-year-end-photos) [Photo Essays](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/photo-essays)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Working unseen to frame risk and ritual in a conflict-zone funeral](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/funeral-gunfire-conflict-zone-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [How a remote camera captured the Artemis II launch and startled birds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/artemis-ii-launch-one-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [Democrats are becoming a force in traditionally conservative The Villages](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/energized-democrats-conservative-villages-harris-emhoff-320a1cff9d66d806c41bc3dee9210975)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The World in Pictures Get The AP’s most compelling photographs sent directly to your inbox.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Photo+Gallery)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [AP Investigations](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-investigations\/)\n- [Climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Indigenous peoples and climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment\/indigenous-peoples-adapting-to-and-combatting-climate-change) [Climate Questions](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-questions) [Climate Migration](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-migration) [India Focus](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/india-climate)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Senate Republicans send Trump resolution to lift mining ban near Boundary Waters Canoe Area](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mining-moratorium-boundary-waters-senate-vote-3e3f0827d52dd6d37f5e554b804ff27c)\n  - [Tijuana River sewage is making the air toxic and sickening thousands in California](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/tijuana-river-sewage-toxins-health-7351200b7d42ad21a6fe7fcb36d0a22d)\n  - [A lost icon: The American chestnut and its central place in the eastern landscape](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/american-chestnut-tree-extinction-culture-973116a9bfed5b770bd1368a560e49f2)\n- [Health](https:\/\/apnews.com\/health)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Younger adult colon cancer deaths are concentrated in people with less education, study says](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/colon-cancer-deaths-young-adults-78c0a3287f2d29575b4004e07230b993)\n  - [Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n  - [A small but growing movement wants you to put down your phone. But first read this](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/internet-screens-phone-addiction-attention-bde9f575a54921ca320d30519783c250)\n  - [FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and other MAHA figures](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/peptides-fda-kennedy-injection-bpc157-37bf2f94f0e8a57da76e67a03b58ff0f)\n  - [How to spot and help someone in a mental health crisis](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mental-health-suicide-988-crisis-therapy-trauma-22f75d00b3a39d6fd07f40fd1a887c68)\n- [Tech](https:\/\/apnews.com\/technology)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Artificial Intelligence](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/artificial-intelligence) [Social Media](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/social-media)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [AI is a gold mine for spammers and scammers, but Google is using it as a tool to fight back](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/google-ads-safety-report-ai-scams-defense-06d9ef869958555884989e8ec25974be)\n  - [Humanoid robots show off their language and boxing skills in Hong Kong](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/robots-humanoid-hong-kong-china-5669f3e8147f2795ec352d9811619a7b)\n  - [Jury finds Instagram and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction trial](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/social-media-addiction-trial-la-5e54075023d837ccdc76c4ca512e925d)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/apnews.com\/lifestyle)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Food & Recipes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/recipes) [Gardening](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/gardening) [Fashion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fashion) [Homes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/homes) [Travel](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/travel) [Pets](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/pets)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Plastic garden gear can add microplastics to the soil. Here are some alternatives](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/gardening-plastics-microplastics-soil-1d59fc57ea912beddd41aa1891c5a7da)\n  - [Raffle winner thrilled to claim a \\$1 million Picasso with a \\$117 ticket](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/france-picasso-alzheimers-raffle-63f48af536760e116885d48b211015de)\n  - ['Out of many, one,' says a US national motto. What does that push for unity mean today?](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/america-250-unity-divided-nation-5b261c76592d6637e0b381221d93b424)\n- [Religion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/religion)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [China raises pressure on underground Catholics to join official church, Human Rights Watch finds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/china-catholics-religious-freedom-pope-leo-f50b3819e9bd1765b18246394cf07dbb)\n  - [A dispatch from inside the Vatican bubble during a remarkable exchange between pope and president](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/pope-leo-xiv-media-coverage-trump-africa-bb65bbd4d88949e549f0b0b27916d5da)\n  - [What a new Gallup poll shows about young men's religious revival](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/religion-church-evangelical-men-women-poll-f2b07f8d5e0e29b7b75334a8b2bbd3a6)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [World of Faith Comprehensive global coverage of how religion shapes our world.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=World+of+Faith)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Español](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Deportes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/deportes) [Donald Trump](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias\/donald-trump)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - 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All Rights Reserved.\n\nlive [Strait of Hormuz](https:\/\/apnews.com\/live\/iran-war-israel-trump-04-17-2026)\n\n[House extends surveillance powers](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/congress-foreign-surveillance-fisa-spy-agencies-3dc3e84c3b9b03f52b84dfb3b01fc770)\n\n[White House ballroom decision](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/white-house-ballroom-site-trump-1f3ad790860ce7a9c61a5a70d58b8b0e)\n\n[Justin Fairfax](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/virginia-justin-fairfax-death-e10bd0f6327852933e15c8d9af559cd3)\n\n[D4vd arrested](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/d4vd-suspect-celeste-rivas-hernandez-f58e2983916aaf3340cc48b7e711118f)\n\n# US officials: Pilot error caused Kobe Bryant chopper crash\n## US officials: Pilot error caused Kobe Bryant chopper crash\n![FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Adam Dergazarian, bottom center, pays his respects for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in front of a mural painted by artist Louie Sloe Palsino in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Jae C. Hong, File)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a8524d9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3000x2000+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2Fcd97618a6631435e851aaf9520d6a616%2F3000.jpeg)\n\n1 of 7 \\|\n\nFILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Adam Dergazarian, bottom center, pays his respects for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in front of a mural painted by artist Louie Sloe Palsino in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Jae C. Hong, File)\n\nRead More\n\n![FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2018, file photo shows a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter (N72EX) at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, Calif. NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and several others were riding in the helicopter when it crashed Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Matt Hartman, File)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/715066f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3000x1168+0+0\/resize\/599x233!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F069637afcd334b53aaa712dcd95a7e1a%2F3000.jpeg)\n\n2 of 7 \\|\n\nFILE - In this Feb. 1, 2018, file photo shows a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter (N72EX) at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, Calif. NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and several others were riding in the helicopter when it crashed Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Matt Hartman, File)\n\nRead More\n\n![FILE - In this July 26, 2018, file photo, former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna watch the U.S. national championships swimming meet in Irvine, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Chris Carlson, file)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c596085\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3000x2168+0+0\/resize\/599x433!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F880f39666032424887157f9afd2633e5%2F3000.jpeg)\n\n3 of 7 \\|\n\nFILE - In this July 26, 2018, file photo, former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna watch the U.S. national championships swimming meet in Irvine, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Chris Carlson, file)\n\nRead More\n\n![FILE - In this June 7, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill, file)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/29f3ec3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2000x1532+0+0\/resize\/599x459!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2Fee6b22059d0a4f4788cbae2bcf8be122%2F2000.jpeg)\n\n4 of 7 \\|\n\nFILE - In this June 7, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill, file)\n\nRead More\n\n![FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2020, file photo, firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill, File)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/fbb7eb8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3000x2000+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F073b534d5fc943c9b043946b974d8972%2F3000.jpeg)\n\n5 of 7 \\|\n\nFILE - In this Jan. 26, 2020, file photo, firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill, File)\n\nRead More\n\n![FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2020, file photo, provided by the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB investigators Adam Huray, right, and Carol Hogan examine wreckage as part of the NTSB's investigation of a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (James Anderson\/National Transportation Safety Board via AP, File)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/dde93e4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3000x2000+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2Faa1116e621364f6f8e002b50650bc16a%2F3000.jpeg)\n\n6 of 7 \\|\n\nFILE - In this Jan. 27, 2020, file photo, provided by the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB investigators Adam Huray, right, and Carol Hogan examine wreckage as part of the NTSB’s investigation of a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (James Anderson\/National Transportation Safety Board via AP, File)\n\nRead More\n\n![FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Anthony Calderon wears a Kobe Bryant jersey in Calabasas, Calif., at the site of a helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others one year ago. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/08a9895\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3000x2000+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F5964d990c11b4f2298ac02811879b08e%2F3000.jpeg)\n\n7 of 7 \\|\n\nFILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Anthony Calderon wears a Kobe Bryant jersey in Calabasas, Calif., at the site of a helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others one year ago. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo\/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)\n\nRead More\n\nBy STEFANIE DAZIO, BRIAN MELLEY and DAVID KOENIG\n\nPublished 11:20 PM GMT, February 9, 2021\n\nAdd AP News on Google\n\nAdd AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.\n\nShare\n\nShare\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dialog\/share?app_id=870613919693099&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dshare)\n- Copy\n  \n  Link copied\n- [Email](mailto:?body=US%20officials%3A%20Pilot%20error%20caused%20Kobe%20Bryant%20chopper%20crash%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564%3Futm_source%3DEmail%26utm_medium%3Dshare%0A%0ALOS%20ANGELES%20%28AP%29%20%E2%80%94%20The%20pilot%20who%20crashed%20the%20helicopter%20carrying%20Kobe%20Bryant%2C%20killing%20all%20nine%20aboard%2C%20made%20a%20series%20of%20poor%20decisions%20that%20led%20him%20to%20fly%20blindly%20into%20a%20wall%20of%20clouds%20where%20he%20became%20so%20disoriented%20he%20thought%20he%20was%20climbing%20when%20the%20craft%20was%20plunging%20toward%20a%20Southern%20California)\n- [X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564%3Futm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dshare&text=US%20officials%3A%20Pilot%20error%20caused%20Kobe%20Bryant%20chopper%20crash)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564)\n- [Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/intent\/compose?text=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564%3Futm_source%3Dbluesky%26utm_medium%3Dshare%26nbsp%3B%3Cbr%3EUS%20officials%3A%20Pilot%20error%20caused%20Kobe%20Bryant%20chopper%20crash)\n- [Flipboard](https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?v=2&title=US%20officials%3A%20Pilot%20error%20caused%20Kobe%20Bryant%20chopper%20crash&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564%3Futm_source%3DFlipboard%20Share%26utm_medium%3Dshare)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/bookmarklet\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564%3Futm_source%3DPinterest%26utm_medium%3Dshare&description=US%20officials%3A%20Pilot%20error%20caused%20Kobe%20Bryant%20chopper%20crash&media=https:\/\/afs-prod.storage.googleapis.com\/media\/cd97618a6631435e851aaf9520d6a616\/3000.jpeg)\n- [Reddit](https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-cause-2c87b04d28961fd277927eea8e8e5564%3Futm_source%3Dreddit%26utm_medium%3Dshare&title=Reddit%20Share)\n\nLOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying [Kobe Bryant](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-boston-celtics-los-angeles-lakers-26f8cb49beef6acc8536a8c8c0033d27), killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California hillside, federal safety officials said Tuesday.\n\nThe National Transportation Safety Board primarily blamed pilot Ara Zobayan in the [Jan. 26, 2020](https:\/\/apnews.com\/general-news-6ce2734a372d8280cdd2ae25b59c58d0) crash that killed him along with Bryant, the basketball star’s [daughter](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-sports-ap-top-news-0060efaefa9ce0326cb20b10df90150f) and six other passengers heading to a [girls basketball tournament](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nba-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-basketball-california-fc7bdd0e965f8980ba2da06ea8753a7d).\n\nZobayan, [an experienced pilot](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/7f34cc8dcf9e36b205e31d5d6e150e12), ignored his training, violated flight rules by flying into conditions where he couldn’t see and failed to take alternate measures, such as slowing down and landing or switching to auto-pilot, that would have averted the tragedy.\n\nThe NTSB said it was likely Zobayan felt pressure to deliver his star client to his daughter’s game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Officials believe Zobayan may have also felt “continuation bias,” an unconscious tendency among pilots to stick with the original plan despite changing conditions.\n\n“The closer you get to the destination the more you think just maybe you can pull this off,” NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Tuesday.\n\nThe agency announced the long-awaited findings during a four-hour hearing pinpointing probable causes of what went awry in the [40-minute flight](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/entertainment-sports-kobe-bryant-bf095391b6254283f0a77cbd7085b39e). The crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation.\n\nThe agency also faulted Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, for inadequate review and oversight of safety matters.\n\nWhen Zobayan decided to  [climb above the clouds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-9eff70dcf0bb252c637108f2ef0e757e), he entered a trap that has doomed many flights. Once a pilot loses visual cues by flying into fog or darkness, the inner ear can send erroneous signals to the brain that causes spatial disorientation. It’s sometimes known as “the leans,” causing pilots to believe they are flying aircraft straight and level when they are banking.\n\nZobayan radioed air traffic controllers that he was climbing when, in fact, he was banking and descending rapidly toward the steep hills near Calabasas, NTSB investigators concluded.\n\nFlying under visual flight rules, Zobayan was required to be able to see where he was going. Flying into the cloud was a violation of that standard and probably led to his disorientation, NTSB said.\n\nThere were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said.\n\n**Sign up for Morning Wire:** Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\n\n“What part of cloud, when you’re on a visual flight rules program, do pilots not understand?” Landsberg said.\n\nNTSB member Michael Graham said Zobayan ignored his training and added that that as long as helicopter pilots continue flying into clouds without relying on instruments, which requires a high level of training, “a certain percentage aren’t going to come out alive.”\n\nZobayan had been certified to fly using only instruments, but was no longer proficient, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said.\n\nThe Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) per minute when it slammed into the hillside and ignited, scattering debris over an area the size of a football field. The victims died immediately.\n\nBryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six others who left Orange County that morning were headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County. The group had flown to the same destination the previous day and Zobayan had flown Bryant along that route at least 10 times in 2019.\n\nThe aircraft itself had been flown on largely direct routes between the airports in Orange and Ventura counties about [two dozen times](https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2020-01-31\/the-last-moments-of-kobe-bryants-flight-raise-perplexing-questions-on-cause-of-crash)  since late 2018, data shows, but the pilot took the chopper further north because of low visibility that day.\n\nThere was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said.\n\nThe helicopter did not have so-called “black box” recording devices, which were not required, that would have given investigators a better understanding of what happened.\n\nThe NTSB report reiterated a previous recommendation to require flight data and cockpit voice recorders on choppers, but the agency only investigates transportation-related crashes. It has no enforcement powers and must submit suggestions to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some board safety recommendations after other transportation disasters.\n\nOver the past year, experts speculated that the crash could lead to a recommendation for requiring helicopters to have [Terrain Awareness and Warning System](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-ef9ec9fd525263023619ff236cd22b45) devices, which signal when aircraft are in danger of crashing.\n\nBut NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash.\n\nThe hilly terrain, combined with the disorientation, would have made the warning system “a confusing factor,” English said.\n\n“The pilot doesn’t know which way is up,” English said.\n\nFederal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers.\n\nThe NTSB report is likely to factor into litigation in the case, whether it’s admissible in court or not, said Dallas lawyer Michael Lyons.\n\nThe crash generated lawsuits and countersuits, with Bryant’s widow suing Island Express and the pilot for wrongful death on the day a [massive public memorial](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/v) was held almost a year ago at Staples Center, where the Lakers all-star played most his career.\n\n[Vanessa Bryant](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/574018915e32e3e7e7be208c409596fd) said Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp., did not properly train or supervise Zobayan. She said the pilot was careless and negligent to fly in fog and should have aborted the flight.\n\nZobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and that his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control.\n\nLawyers for Berge Zobayan and [Island Express](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/5210870dad3cb059c47c6fcaedbabb05) said they had no comment on the NTSB findings.\n\n[Families](https:\/\/apnews.com\/general-news-a7202e53a55be729ad59f1be36d0a7b8)  of other victims sued the helicopter companies but not the pilot.\n\nThe others killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach [John Altobelli](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/8523e3488624ae2680ba36b0bd720ca6), his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates.\n\nThe companies have countersued two FAA air traffic controllers, saying the crash was caused by their “series of erroneous acts and\/or omissions.”\n\nWhile air traffic controllers failed to report the loss of radar contact and radar communication with the flight, which was inconsistent with their procedures, it did not contribute to the crash, the NTSB said.\n\nMost read\n\n1. [Justin Fairfax killed his estranged wife and himself 2 weeks before a court deadline to move out](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/virginia-justin-fairfax-death-e10bd0f6327852933e15c8d9af559cd3)\n   \n   5 MIN READ\n   \n   [226](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/virginia-justin-fairfax-death-e10bd0f6327852933e15c8d9af559cd3)\n2. [The informant earned millions working for the DEA. 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[A dispatch from inside the Vatican bubble during a remarkable exchange between pope and president](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/pope-leo-xiv-media-coverage-trump-africa-bb65bbd4d88949e549f0b0b27916d5da)\n   \n   5 MIN READ\n   \n   [253](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/pope-leo-xiv-media-coverage-trump-africa-bb65bbd4d88949e549f0b0b27916d5da)\n\n[![](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bc1ddbf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2851x1534+0+0\/resize\/240x129!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F22%2F25%2F9576fafb4e768552fed602a60238%2Fap-pri-wordmarktagline-rgb-dbg.png)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/)\n\nThe Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. 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All Rights Reserved.\n\n- [twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/AP)\n- [instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/apnews\/)\n- [facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/APNews)\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=3005041&cv=4.4.0&cj=1&comscorekw=undefined)","attrs_readable_markdown":"LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying [Kobe Bryant](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-boston-celtics-los-angeles-lakers-26f8cb49beef6acc8536a8c8c0033d27), killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California hillside, federal safety officials said Tuesday.\n\nThe National Transportation Safety Board primarily blamed pilot Ara Zobayan in the [Jan. 26, 2020](https:\/\/apnews.com\/general-news-6ce2734a372d8280cdd2ae25b59c58d0) crash that killed him along with Bryant, the basketball star’s [daughter](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-sports-ap-top-news-0060efaefa9ce0326cb20b10df90150f) and six other passengers heading to a [girls basketball tournament](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nba-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-basketball-california-fc7bdd0e965f8980ba2da06ea8753a7d).\n\nZobayan, [an experienced pilot](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/7f34cc8dcf9e36b205e31d5d6e150e12), ignored his training, violated flight rules by flying into conditions where he couldn’t see and failed to take alternate measures, such as slowing down and landing or switching to auto-pilot, that would have averted the tragedy.\n\nThe NTSB said it was likely Zobayan felt pressure to deliver his star client to his daughter’s game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Officials believe Zobayan may have also felt “continuation bias,” an unconscious tendency among pilots to stick with the original plan despite changing conditions.\n\n“The closer you get to the destination the more you think just maybe you can pull this off,” NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Tuesday.\n\nThe agency announced the long-awaited findings during a four-hour hearing pinpointing probable causes of what went awry in the [40-minute flight](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/entertainment-sports-kobe-bryant-bf095391b6254283f0a77cbd7085b39e). The crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation.\n\nThe agency also faulted Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, for inadequate review and oversight of safety matters.\n\nWhen Zobayan decided to  [climb above the clouds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-9eff70dcf0bb252c637108f2ef0e757e), he entered a trap that has doomed many flights. Once a pilot loses visual cues by flying into fog or darkness, the inner ear can send erroneous signals to the brain that causes spatial disorientation. It’s sometimes known as “the leans,” causing pilots to believe they are flying aircraft straight and level when they are banking.\n\nZobayan radioed air traffic controllers that he was climbing when, in fact, he was banking and descending rapidly toward the steep hills near Calabasas, NTSB investigators concluded.\n\nFlying under visual flight rules, Zobayan was required to be able to see where he was going. Flying into the cloud was a violation of that standard and probably led to his disorientation, NTSB said.\n\nThere were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said.\n\n**Sign up for Morning Wire:** Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\n\n“What part of cloud, when you’re on a visual flight rules program, do pilots not understand?” Landsberg said.\n\nNTSB member Michael Graham said Zobayan ignored his training and added that that as long as helicopter pilots continue flying into clouds without relying on instruments, which requires a high level of training, “a certain percentage aren’t going to come out alive.”\n\nZobayan had been certified to fly using only instruments, but was no longer proficient, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said.\n\nThe Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) per minute when it slammed into the hillside and ignited, scattering debris over an area the size of a football field. The victims died immediately.\n\nBryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six others who left Orange County that morning were headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County. The group had flown to the same destination the previous day and Zobayan had flown Bryant along that route at least 10 times in 2019.\n\nThe aircraft itself had been flown on largely direct routes between the airports in Orange and Ventura counties about [two dozen times](https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2020-01-31\/the-last-moments-of-kobe-bryants-flight-raise-perplexing-questions-on-cause-of-crash)  since late 2018, data shows, but the pilot took the chopper further north because of low visibility that day.\n\nThere was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said.\n\nThe helicopter did not have so-called “black box” recording devices, which were not required, that would have given investigators a better understanding of what happened.\n\nThe NTSB report reiterated a previous recommendation to require flight data and cockpit voice recorders on choppers, but the agency only investigates transportation-related crashes. It has no enforcement powers and must submit suggestions to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some board safety recommendations after other transportation disasters.\n\nOver the past year, experts speculated that the crash could lead to a recommendation for requiring helicopters to have [Terrain Awareness and Warning System](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-ef9ec9fd525263023619ff236cd22b45) devices, which signal when aircraft are in danger of crashing.\n\nBut NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash.\n\nThe hilly terrain, combined with the disorientation, would have made the warning system “a confusing factor,” English said.\n\n“The pilot doesn’t know which way is up,” English said.\n\nFederal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers.\n\nThe NTSB report is likely to factor into litigation in the case, whether it’s admissible in court or not, said Dallas lawyer Michael Lyons.\n\nThe crash generated lawsuits and countersuits, with Bryant’s widow suing Island Express and the pilot for wrongful death on the day a [massive public memorial](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/v) was held almost a year ago at Staples Center, where the Lakers all-star played most his career.\n\n[Vanessa Bryant](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/574018915e32e3e7e7be208c409596fd) said Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp., did not properly train or supervise Zobayan. She said the pilot was careless and negligent to fly in fog and should have aborted the flight.\n\nZobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and that his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control.\n\nLawyers for Berge Zobayan and [Island Express](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/5210870dad3cb059c47c6fcaedbabb05) said they had no comment on the NTSB findings.\n\n[Families](https:\/\/apnews.com\/general-news-a7202e53a55be729ad59f1be36d0a7b8)  of other victims sued the helicopter companies but not the pilot.\n\nThe others killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach [John Altobelli](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/8523e3488624ae2680ba36b0bd720ca6), his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates.\n\nThe companies have countersued two FAA air traffic controllers, saying the crash was caused by their “series of erroneous acts and\/or omissions.”\n\nWhile air traffic controllers failed to report the loss of radar contact and radar communication with the flight, which was inconsistent with their procedures, it did not contribute to the crash, the NTSB said.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	US officials: Pilot error caused Kobe Bryant chopper crash \| AP News
Meta Description	LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant , killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California hillside, federal safety officials said Tuesday. The National Transportation Safety Board primarily blamed pilot Ara Zobayan in the Jan. 26, 2020 crash that killed him along with Bryant, the basketball star’s daughter and six other passengers heading to a girls basketball tournament . Zobayan, an experienced pilot , ignored his training, violated flight rules by flying into conditions where he couldn’t see and failed to take alternate measures, such as slowing down and landing or switching to auto-pilot, that would have averted the tragedy. The NTSB said it was likely Zobayan felt pressure to deliver his star client to his daughter’s game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Officials believe Zobayan may have also felt “continuation bias,” an unconscious tendency among pilots to stick with the original plan despite changing conditions. “The closer you get to the destination the more you think just maybe you can pull this off,” NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Tuesday. The agency announced the long-awaited findings during a four-hour hearing pinpointing probable causes of what went awry in the 40-minute flight . The crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation. The agency also faulted Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, for inadequate review and oversight of safety matters. When Zobayan decided to climb above the clouds , he entered a trap that has doomed many flights. Once a pilot loses visual cues by flying into fog or darkness, the inner ear can send erroneous signals to the brain that causes spatial disorientation. It’s sometimes known as “the leans,” causing pilots to believe they are flying aircraft straight and level when they are banking. Zobayan radioed air traffic controllers that he was climbing when, in fact, he was banking and descending rapidly toward the steep hills near Calabasas, NTSB investigators concluded. Flying under visual flight rules, Zobayan was required to be able to see where he was going. Flying into the cloud was a violation of that standard and probably led to his disorientation, NTSB said. There were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy . “What part of cloud, when you’re on a visual flight rules program, do pilots not understand?” Landsberg said. NTSB member Michael Graham said Zobayan ignored his training and added that that as long as helicopter pilots continue flying into clouds without relying on instruments, which requires a high level of training, “a certain percentage aren’t going to come out alive.” Zobayan had been certified to fly using only instruments, but was no longer proficient, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said. The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) per minute when it slammed into the hillside and ignited, scattering debris over an area the size of a football field. The victims died immediately. Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six others who left Orange County that morning were headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County. The group had flown to the same destination the previous day and Zobayan had flown Bryant along that route at least 10 times in 2019. The aircraft itself had been flown on largely direct routes between the airports in Orange and Ventura counties about two dozen times since late 2018, data shows, but the pilot took the chopper further north because of low visibility that day. There was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said. The helicopter did not have so-called “black box” recording devices, which were not required, that would have given investigators a better understanding of what happened. The NTSB report reiterated a previous recommendation to require flight data and cockpit voice recorders on choppers, but the agency only investigates transportation-related crashes. It has no enforcement powers and must submit suggestions to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some board safety recommendations after other transportation disasters. Over the past year, experts speculated that the crash could lead to a recommendation for requiring helicopters to have Terrain Awareness and Warning System devices, which signal when aircraft are in danger of crashing. But NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash. The hilly terrain, combined with the disorientation, would have made the warning system “a confusing factor,” English said. “The pilot doesn’t know which way is up,” English said. Federal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers. The NTSB report is likely to factor into litigation in the case, whether it’s admissible in court or not, said Dallas lawyer Michael Lyons. The crash generated lawsuits and countersuits, with Bryant’s widow suing Island Express and the pilot for wrongful death on the day a massive public memorial was held almost a year ago at Staples Center, where the Lakers all-star played most his career. Vanessa Bryant said Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp., did not properly train or supervise Zobayan. She said the pilot was careless and negligent to fly in fog and should have aborted the flight. Zobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and that his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control. Lawyers for Berge Zobayan and Island Express said they had no comment on the NTSB findings. Families of other victims sued the helicopter companies but not the pilot. The others killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli , his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates. The companies have countersued two FAA air traffic controllers, saying the crash was caused by their “series of erroneous acts and/or omissions.” While air traffic controllers failed to report the loss of radar contact and radar communication with the flight, which was inconsistent with their procedures, it did not contribute to the crash, the NTSB said.
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All Rights Reserved. live [Strait of Hormuz](https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-04-17-2026) [House extends surveillance powers](https://apnews.com/article/congress-foreign-surveillance-fisa-spy-agencies-3dc3e84c3b9b03f52b84dfb3b01fc770) [White House ballroom decision](https://apnews.com/article/white-house-ballroom-site-trump-1f3ad790860ce7a9c61a5a70d58b8b0e) [Justin Fairfax](https://apnews.com/article/virginia-justin-fairfax-death-e10bd0f6327852933e15c8d9af559cd3) [D4vd arrested](https://apnews.com/article/d4vd-suspect-celeste-rivas-hernandez-f58e2983916aaf3340cc48b7e711118f) # US officials: Pilot error caused Kobe Bryant chopper crash ## US officials: Pilot error caused Kobe Bryant chopper crash ![FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Adam Dergazarian, bottom center, pays his respects for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in front of a mural painted by artist Louie Sloe Palsino in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/a8524d9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2Fcd97618a6631435e851aaf9520d6a616%2F3000.jpeg) 1 of 7 \\| FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Adam Dergazarian, bottom center, pays his respects for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in front of a mural painted by artist Louie Sloe Palsino in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) Read More ![FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2018, file photo shows a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter (N72EX) at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, Calif. NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and several others were riding in the helicopter when it crashed Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Matt Hartman, File)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/715066f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1168+0+0/resize/599x233!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F069637afcd334b53aaa712dcd95a7e1a%2F3000.jpeg) 2 of 7 \\| FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2018, file photo shows a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter (N72EX) at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, Calif. NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and several others were riding in the helicopter when it crashed Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Matt Hartman, File) Read More ![FILE - In this July 26, 2018, file photo, former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna watch the U.S. national championships swimming meet in Irvine, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, file)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/c596085/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2168+0+0/resize/599x433!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F880f39666032424887157f9afd2633e5%2F3000.jpeg) 3 of 7 \\| FILE - In this July 26, 2018, file photo, former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna watch the U.S. national championships swimming meet in Irvine, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, file) Read More ![FILE - In this June 7, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/29f3ec3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1532+0+0/resize/599x459!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2Fee6b22059d0a4f4788cbae2bcf8be122%2F2000.jpeg) 4 of 7 \\| FILE - In this June 7, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) points to a player behind him after making a basket in the closing seconds against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file) Read More ![FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2020, file photo, firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/fbb7eb8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F073b534d5fc943c9b043946b974d8972%2F3000.jpeg) 5 of 7 \\| FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2020, file photo, firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) Read More ![FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2020, file photo, provided by the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB investigators Adam Huray, right, and Carol Hogan examine wreckage as part of the NTSB's investigation of a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (James Anderson/National Transportation Safety Board via AP, File)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/dde93e4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2Faa1116e621364f6f8e002b50650bc16a%2F3000.jpeg) 6 of 7 \\| FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2020, file photo, provided by the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB investigators Adam Huray, right, and Carol Hogan examine wreckage as part of the NTSB’s investigation of a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (James Anderson/National Transportation Safety Board via AP, File) Read More ![FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Anthony Calderon wears a Kobe Bryant jersey in Calabasas, Calif., at the site of a helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others one year ago. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/08a9895/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafs-prod.storage.googleapis.com%2Fmedia%2F5964d990c11b4f2298ac02811879b08e%2F3000.jpeg) 7 of 7 \\| FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo, Anthony Calderon wears a Kobe Bryant jersey in Calabasas, Calif., at the site of a helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others one year ago. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) Read More By STEFANIE DAZIO, BRIAN MELLEY and DAVID KOENIG Published 11:20 PM GMT, February 9, 2021 Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. 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The National Transportation Safety Board primarily blamed pilot Ara Zobayan in the [Jan. 26, 2020](https://apnews.com/general-news-6ce2734a372d8280cdd2ae25b59c58d0) crash that killed him along with Bryant, the basketball star’s [daughter](https://apnews.com/article/sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-sports-ap-top-news-0060efaefa9ce0326cb20b10df90150f) and six other passengers heading to a [girls basketball tournament](https://apnews.com/article/nba-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-basketball-california-fc7bdd0e965f8980ba2da06ea8753a7d). Zobayan, [an experienced pilot](https://apnews.com/article/7f34cc8dcf9e36b205e31d5d6e150e12), ignored his training, violated flight rules by flying into conditions where he couldn’t see and failed to take alternate measures, such as slowing down and landing or switching to auto-pilot, that would have averted the tragedy. The NTSB said it was likely Zobayan felt pressure to deliver his star client to his daughter’s game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Officials believe Zobayan may have also felt “continuation bias,” an unconscious tendency among pilots to stick with the original plan despite changing conditions. “The closer you get to the destination the more you think just maybe you can pull this off,” NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Tuesday. The agency announced the long-awaited findings during a four-hour hearing pinpointing probable causes of what went awry in the [40-minute flight](https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-kobe-bryant-bf095391b6254283f0a77cbd7085b39e). The crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation. The agency also faulted Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, for inadequate review and oversight of safety matters. When Zobayan decided to [climb above the clouds](https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-9eff70dcf0bb252c637108f2ef0e757e), he entered a trap that has doomed many flights. Once a pilot loses visual cues by flying into fog or darkness, the inner ear can send erroneous signals to the brain that causes spatial disorientation. It’s sometimes known as “the leans,” causing pilots to believe they are flying aircraft straight and level when they are banking. Zobayan radioed air traffic controllers that he was climbing when, in fact, he was banking and descending rapidly toward the steep hills near Calabasas, NTSB investigators concluded. Flying under visual flight rules, Zobayan was required to be able to see where he was going. Flying into the cloud was a violation of that standard and probably led to his disorientation, NTSB said. There were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. “What part of cloud, when you’re on a visual flight rules program, do pilots not understand?” Landsberg said. NTSB member Michael Graham said Zobayan ignored his training and added that that as long as helicopter pilots continue flying into clouds without relying on instruments, which requires a high level of training, “a certain percentage aren’t going to come out alive.” Zobayan had been certified to fly using only instruments, but was no longer proficient, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said. The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) per minute when it slammed into the hillside and ignited, scattering debris over an area the size of a football field. The victims died immediately. Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six others who left Orange County that morning were headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County. The group had flown to the same destination the previous day and Zobayan had flown Bryant along that route at least 10 times in 2019. The aircraft itself had been flown on largely direct routes between the airports in Orange and Ventura counties about [two dozen times](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-31/the-last-moments-of-kobe-bryants-flight-raise-perplexing-questions-on-cause-of-crash) since late 2018, data shows, but the pilot took the chopper further north because of low visibility that day. There was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said. The helicopter did not have so-called “black box” recording devices, which were not required, that would have given investigators a better understanding of what happened. The NTSB report reiterated a previous recommendation to require flight data and cockpit voice recorders on choppers, but the agency only investigates transportation-related crashes. It has no enforcement powers and must submit suggestions to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some board safety recommendations after other transportation disasters. Over the past year, experts speculated that the crash could lead to a recommendation for requiring helicopters to have [Terrain Awareness and Warning System](https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-ef9ec9fd525263023619ff236cd22b45) devices, which signal when aircraft are in danger of crashing. But NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash. The hilly terrain, combined with the disorientation, would have made the warning system “a confusing factor,” English said. “The pilot doesn’t know which way is up,” English said. Federal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers. The NTSB report is likely to factor into litigation in the case, whether it’s admissible in court or not, said Dallas lawyer Michael Lyons. The crash generated lawsuits and countersuits, with Bryant’s widow suing Island Express and the pilot for wrongful death on the day a [massive public memorial](https://apnews.com/article/v) was held almost a year ago at Staples Center, where the Lakers all-star played most his career. [Vanessa Bryant](https://apnews.com/article/574018915e32e3e7e7be208c409596fd) said Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp., did not properly train or supervise Zobayan. She said the pilot was careless and negligent to fly in fog and should have aborted the flight. Zobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and that his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control. Lawyers for Berge Zobayan and [Island Express](https://apnews.com/article/5210870dad3cb059c47c6fcaedbabb05) said they had no comment on the NTSB findings. [Families](https://apnews.com/general-news-a7202e53a55be729ad59f1be36d0a7b8) of other victims sued the helicopter companies but not the pilot. The others killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach [John Altobelli](https://apnews.com/article/8523e3488624ae2680ba36b0bd720ca6), his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates. The companies have countersued two FAA air traffic controllers, saying the crash was caused by their “series of erroneous acts and/or omissions.” While air traffic controllers failed to report the loss of radar contact and radar communication with the flight, which was inconsistent with their procedures, it did not contribute to the crash, the NTSB said. Most read 1. 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Readable Markdown	LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying [Kobe Bryant](https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-boston-celtics-los-angeles-lakers-26f8cb49beef6acc8536a8c8c0033d27), killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California hillside, federal safety officials said Tuesday. The National Transportation Safety Board primarily blamed pilot Ara Zobayan in the [Jan. 26, 2020](https://apnews.com/general-news-6ce2734a372d8280cdd2ae25b59c58d0) crash that killed him along with Bryant, the basketball star’s [daughter](https://apnews.com/article/sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-sports-ap-top-news-0060efaefa9ce0326cb20b10df90150f) and six other passengers heading to a [girls basketball tournament](https://apnews.com/article/nba-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-basketball-california-fc7bdd0e965f8980ba2da06ea8753a7d). Zobayan, [an experienced pilot](https://apnews.com/article/7f34cc8dcf9e36b205e31d5d6e150e12), ignored his training, violated flight rules by flying into conditions where he couldn’t see and failed to take alternate measures, such as slowing down and landing or switching to auto-pilot, that would have averted the tragedy. The NTSB said it was likely Zobayan felt pressure to deliver his star client to his daughter’s game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Officials believe Zobayan may have also felt “continuation bias,” an unconscious tendency among pilots to stick with the original plan despite changing conditions. “The closer you get to the destination the more you think just maybe you can pull this off,” NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Tuesday. The agency announced the long-awaited findings during a four-hour hearing pinpointing probable causes of what went awry in the [40-minute flight](https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-kobe-bryant-bf095391b6254283f0a77cbd7085b39e). The crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation. The agency also faulted Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, for inadequate review and oversight of safety matters. When Zobayan decided to [climb above the clouds](https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-9eff70dcf0bb252c637108f2ef0e757e), he entered a trap that has doomed many flights. Once a pilot loses visual cues by flying into fog or darkness, the inner ear can send erroneous signals to the brain that causes spatial disorientation. It’s sometimes known as “the leans,” causing pilots to believe they are flying aircraft straight and level when they are banking. Zobayan radioed air traffic controllers that he was climbing when, in fact, he was banking and descending rapidly toward the steep hills near Calabasas, NTSB investigators concluded. Flying under visual flight rules, Zobayan was required to be able to see where he was going. Flying into the cloud was a violation of that standard and probably led to his disorientation, NTSB said. There were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. “What part of cloud, when you’re on a visual flight rules program, do pilots not understand?” Landsberg said. NTSB member Michael Graham said Zobayan ignored his training and added that that as long as helicopter pilots continue flying into clouds without relying on instruments, which requires a high level of training, “a certain percentage aren’t going to come out alive.” Zobayan had been certified to fly using only instruments, but was no longer proficient, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said. The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) per minute when it slammed into the hillside and ignited, scattering debris over an area the size of a football field. The victims died immediately. Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six others who left Orange County that morning were headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County. The group had flown to the same destination the previous day and Zobayan had flown Bryant along that route at least 10 times in 2019. The aircraft itself had been flown on largely direct routes between the airports in Orange and Ventura counties about [two dozen times](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-31/the-last-moments-of-kobe-bryants-flight-raise-perplexing-questions-on-cause-of-crash) since late 2018, data shows, but the pilot took the chopper further north because of low visibility that day. There was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said. The helicopter did not have so-called “black box” recording devices, which were not required, that would have given investigators a better understanding of what happened. The NTSB report reiterated a previous recommendation to require flight data and cockpit voice recorders on choppers, but the agency only investigates transportation-related crashes. It has no enforcement powers and must submit suggestions to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some board safety recommendations after other transportation disasters. Over the past year, experts speculated that the crash could lead to a recommendation for requiring helicopters to have [Terrain Awareness and Warning System](https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-sports-general-basketball-ca-state-wire-ef9ec9fd525263023619ff236cd22b45) devices, which signal when aircraft are in danger of crashing. But NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash. The hilly terrain, combined with the disorientation, would have made the warning system “a confusing factor,” English said. “The pilot doesn’t know which way is up,” English said. Federal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers. The NTSB report is likely to factor into litigation in the case, whether it’s admissible in court or not, said Dallas lawyer Michael Lyons. The crash generated lawsuits and countersuits, with Bryant’s widow suing Island Express and the pilot for wrongful death on the day a [massive public memorial](https://apnews.com/article/v) was held almost a year ago at Staples Center, where the Lakers all-star played most his career. [Vanessa Bryant](https://apnews.com/article/574018915e32e3e7e7be208c409596fd) said Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp., did not properly train or supervise Zobayan. She said the pilot was careless and negligent to fly in fog and should have aborted the flight. Zobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and that his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control. Lawyers for Berge Zobayan and [Island Express](https://apnews.com/article/5210870dad3cb059c47c6fcaedbabb05) said they had no comment on the NTSB findings. [Families](https://apnews.com/general-news-a7202e53a55be729ad59f1be36d0a7b8) of other victims sued the helicopter companies but not the pilot. The others killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach [John Altobelli](https://apnews.com/article/8523e3488624ae2680ba36b0bd720ca6), his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates. The companies have countersued two FAA air traffic controllers, saying the crash was caused by their “series of erroneous acts and/or omissions.” While air traffic controllers failed to report the loss of radar contact and radar communication with the flight, which was inconsistent with their procedures, it did not contribute to the crash, the NTSB said.
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