The FAA requires it only for air ambulances.įederal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the devices on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers.įormer NTSB Chairman James Hall said he hopes the FAA will require the systems as a result of the crash.

The helicopter Bryant was flying in did not have the system, which the NTSB has recommended as mandatory for helicopters. 26, 2020, when the helicopter encountered thick fog in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles. “I think the whole world is watching because it’s Kobe,” said Ed Coleman, an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor and aircraft safety science expert.īryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and six other passengers were flying from Orange County to a youth basketball tournament at his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County on Jan. The federal hearing focused on the long-awaited probable cause or causes of the tragedy that unleashed worldwide grief for the retired basketball star, launched several lawsuits and prompted state and federal legislation. The helicopter companies said foggy weather before the helicopter hit the ground was an act of God and blamed air traffic controllers. The brother of the pilot didn’t blame Bryant but said he knew about the risks of flying. Investigators work the scene of a helicopter crash that killed former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others Monday, Jan. She and relatives of the other victims also faulted the companies that owned and operated the helicopter.

The revelation during a hearing to announce the probable cause or causes of the crash followed plenty of finger-pointing.īryant’s widow blamed the pilot. WHYY thanks our sponsors - become a WHYY sponsor

Revelation online crashing