Kobe Bryant pilot 'misperceived' flight trajectory, thought he was climbing before clash

ongoing investigations to determine cause of accident that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven ors apparently moved to a new direction after a report from  National Transportation Safety Board was released on Wednesday. According to report procured by Associated Press, Kobe Bryant pilot, Ara Zobayan "misperceived" flight trajectory leading up to crash. heavy fog in wear when flight was chartered might have disoriented Zobayan causing him to think helicopter was climbing when it was actually descending, per report.

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Report: Kobe Bryant pilot Disoriented In Fog Before Crash

Kobe Bryant helicopter crash report: Pilot was "disoriented" in fog

According to report, Kobe Bryant pilot reached out to  air traffic controllers minutes before crash and said that  Sikorsky S-76 was climbing to 4,000 feet in order to evade clouds. However, per  Kobe Bryant helicopter crash report, helicopter was, in fact, descending and banking to left before it eventually crashed against hills near Calabasas, California. 

“Calculated apparent angles at this time show that pilot could have misperceived both pitch and roll angles,” report from AP stated. “During final descent pilot, responding to (air traffic control), stated that y were ‘climbing to four thousand.’  phemen is termed as 'somatogravic illusion' where pilot can misjudge flight path in absence of visual references. Despite revelation, Kobe Bryant helicopter crash report failed to provide a definite conclusion to actual cause of accident. As it seems, harsh wear condition is reportedly primary reason behind crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight or on January 26, 2020.

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Autopsy Sketch Surface Online, NBA Fans Furious Over Leaked Details

Last month, autopsy report of all nine victims were released by  Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. report confirmed cause of death to be 'blunt force trauma' and declared manner of death as 'accidental.' autopsy report also confirmed that Kobe Bryant pilot was t intoxicated during flight as he tested negative for drugs and alcohol. 

Also Read | Kobe Bryant pilot Did t Have Drugs Or Alcohol In His System, Autopsy Confirms

Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant wife Vanessa Bryant is currently embroiled in a legal battle with  helicopter company and Zobayan's estate. Vanessa Bryant's attorneys have sued both parties for wrongful death. However, according to Ara Zobayan's bror, Berge Zobayan,  passengers in helicopter were negligent and hence pilot cant be blamed for accident. litigation is yet to be resolved. 

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Autopsy Report Officially Confirms Cause Of Death As 'Blunt Force Trauma'