Published 12:13 IST, January 28th 2020

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Three unidentified bodies retrieved, claim reports

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: It has been confirmed that three unidentified bodies have been recovered from the tragic crash site of Bryant's helicopter.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven ors lost ir lives in a tragic helicopter crash in California on Sunday. group of nine were travelling to girls' basketball game in Thousand Oaks. First respondents checked scened from ir helicopter and found survivors.  

Also read | Kobe Bryant death: LeBron promises to continue Mamba legacy

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Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Authorities have recovered three bodies

It has been reported by several US websites that three bodies have been recovered from crash site. However, it could be a week before site is completely recovered. Los Angeles County Coroner Jonathan Lucas stated that rough terrain has made site difficult to access. site is out of bounds for everyone, while shops and businesses around site were also closed down.  victims’ bodies will be taken to Forensic Science Center of coroner’s office.

Also read | Kobe Bryant death: Helicopter crashed due to bad wear

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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 destinations. 

Also read | Kobe Bryant death: Gianna Bryant also killed in helicopter crash

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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 2000 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.

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 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. 

Also read | Kobe Bryant death: Gianna Bryant shared ir love for basketball

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Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Investigation to find out exact cause of crash

According to reports, NTSB will be assigning a Go Team to find actual cause for crash. A report including highlight findings should be released in 10 days. A detailed investigation about pilot's history, chopper maintenance and record of owner and operator will be conducted. Reports claim that an official statement about crash might be released after a year. 

12:13 IST, January 28th 2020