+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

The helicopter that crashed and killed Kobe Bryant and 8 others was reportedly not certified to fly in poor visibility

Jan 31, 2020, 09:15 IST
  • The helicopter that was flying Kobe Bryant and eight other people before it fatally crashed on Sunday was not certified to fly in poor visibility conditions, according to the New York Times.
  • Island Express Helicopters, which owned the Sikorsky S-76B aircraft, was only certified to fly under visual flight rules, which means that weather conditions that are clear enough for a pilot to stay oriented and navigate by visual cues and sometimes other instruments.
  • Audio communications posted on YouTube by the channel VASAviation indicate that the pilot was given special clearance, known as special visual flight rules, to fly in foggy conditions in the minutes before the crash.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The helicopter that was flying Kobe Bryant and eight other people before it fatally crashed on Sunday was reportedly not certified to fly in poor visibility conditions.

Advertisement

Three sources familiar with the helicopter company's operations told The New York Times that Island Express Helicopters, which owned the Sikorsky S-76B aircraft, had an operating certification from the Federal Aviation Administration limiting flight to flying under visual flight rules. These are regulations that dictate a pilot must operate an aircraft in weather conditions that are clear enough for a pilot to stay oriented and navigate by visual cues, sometimes used alongside special instruments.

The company was also not certified for its pilots to fly with instruments, Kurt Deetz, a former safety manager at Island Express Helicopters, told The Times.

But according to The Times, the pilot himself, Ara Zobayan, was certified to fly with instruments, but he was limited by the company's visual flight rules.

Audio communications posted on YouTube by the channel VASAviation indicate that Zobayan was given special clearance, known as special visual flight rules, to fly in foggy conditions in the minutes before the crash.

Advertisement

Business Insider could not immediately reach Island Express Helicopters for comment about the Times Report.

On Monday, Island Express Helicopters released a statement about the accident:

This is a developing story.

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article