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

Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant and 7 others lost their lives during a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The group was heading to one of Gianna's basketball games at Thousand Oaks. No survivors were found by firefighters, who rushed onto the scene. More details about the crash have now emerged as Kobe's body has been identified after undergoing an examination.

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

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

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

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

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

According to ESPN, the pilot contacted ATC before the crash, informing that the helicopter had begun ascension. ATC, however, told the pilot that they were too low for flight following and hence could not be picked up by the radar. Recent reports confirm that the pilot had received permission to fly below the usual level due to bad weather conditions. After the communication ended, no distress call was received. The helicopter had been cleared for flight and took off from the John Wayne airport at 9:06 AM on Sunday. They flew from Boyle Heights and circled Glendale before reaching the crash destination. 

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

According to reports, the helicopter turned left at 9:40 AM to head southeast. However, it disappeared into the fog surrounding the area. They were flying at around 2,000 level above sea level with a speed of 184 mph. While crashing, the helicopter was reportedly travelling at a speed for 45 mph which is approximately 4,000 feet per minute. The Sikorsky S-76 crashed near Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen street in Calabasas. Locals called 911 at 9:47 AM. Responders on the 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 the LA County Fire Chief Daryl Osby, the fire had spread a quarter of an acre. Jennifer Homendy, a National Transport Safety Board member, stated that pieces of the helicopter were scattered across 600 feet. One of the hills had an impact area. The tail was down on the left, the fuselage was on the other side and the main rotor ended up a hundred yards beyond the scene. 

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Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: Poor weather conditions reported

Though the exact reason for the crash is unknown, poor weather is the likely cause. Poor visibility near the area of Burbank (north of the helicopter) and Van Nuys (northwest of the helicopter) were reported. Weather control meteorologist Heather Tesch also reported low clouds and thick fog in the area. 

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