Published 13:50 IST, January 30th 2020

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Late NBA legend's body identified after examination

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) released a statement saying that Kobe Bryant's body has been identified by them.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant and 7 ors lost ir lives during a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. group was heading to one of Gianna's basketball games at Thousand Oaks. survivors were found by firefighters, who rushed onto scene. More details about crash have w emerged as Kobe's body has been identified after undergoing an examination.

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Bryant's body identified after examination

 National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) stated that out of all victim's bodies recovered, Kobe Bryant's body along with three ors (Ara Zobayan, John Altobelli and Sarah Chester) has been identified after examination. Jennifer Homendy, an NTSB member, stated that team is w done with site. identification of or victims could take a few days. 

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Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Helicopter was travelling at over 2,000 feet a minute before crashing

According to NTSB, helicopter was travelling at a speed of 2,000 feet per minute. It was at 2,300 feet before losing all communication. pilot was climbing to a higher altitude to avoid a cloud layer. 

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) before crash

According to ESPN, pilot contacted ATC before crash, informing that helicopter had begun ascension. ATC, however, told pilot that y were too low for flight following and hence could t be picked up by radar. Recent reports confirm that pilot had received permission to fly below usual level due to bad wear conditions. After communication ended, distress call was received. helicopter had been cleared for flight and took off from John Wayne airport at 9:06 AM on Sunday. y flew from Boyle Heights and circled Glendale before reaching crash destination. 

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Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: How and when did  crash happen?

According to reports, helicopter turned left at 9:40 AM to head souast. However, it disappeared into fog surrounding area. y were flying at around 2,000 level above sea level with a speed of 184 mph. While crashing, helicopter was reportedly travelling at a speed for 45 mph which is approximately 4,000 feet per minute. Sikorsky S-76 crashed near Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen street in Calabasas. Locals called 911 at 9:47 AM. Responders on scene included 56 fire personnel (firefighters, a helicopter with paramedics and hand crews) and sheriff's deputies.

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Kobe Bryant helicopter crash site

According to LA County Fire Chief Daryl Osby, fire had spread a quarter of an acre. Jennifer Homendy, a National Transport Safety Board member, stated that pieces of helicopter were scattered across 600 feet. One of hills had an impact area. tail was down on left, fusel was on or side and main rotor ended up a hundred yards beyond scene. 

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Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Poor wear conditions reported

Though exact reason for crash is unkwn, poor wear is likely cause. Poor visibility near area of Burbank (rth of helicopter) and Van Nuys (rthwest of helicopter) were reported. Wear control meteorologist Hear Tesch also reported low clouds and thick fog in area. 

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13:50 IST, January 30th 2020