The helicopter in which star Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna and seven others died on Sunday may not have been allowed to fly in severe weather conditions such as the day of the crash, according to several American media.
The accident took place for an unknown reason while heavy fog hung over the Los Angeles area. This type of weather may require navigation using on-board instruments, not on sight. However, the helicopter company did not have permits for this type of flight, according to a former executive of the company interviewed by Forbes and the New York Times.
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Obtaining this certification from the aviation authorities is relatively restrictive and costly. To the point that in this sunny region of the United States, the police forces themselves renounce this formality. "You are going to spend all this money, all that for what, three flights in the year," illustrates the former manager, who himself flew helicopters for thirty years in the region.
"If we don't do it often, it's not easy"
The pilot who died alongside the basketball legend had a license for this kind of maneuver. But working ten years in a company that does not offer this kind of theft could have affected his abilities. "If we don't do it often, it's not easy," said the former executive.
At the time of takeoff, the conditions appeared to allow visual flight. However, these quickly deteriorated. The pilot then requested - and received - a special authorization to get closer to the ground and to sail on sight.
Faced with ever thicker fog, he might have tried to change flight modes to rely mainly on his on-board instruments. The aircraft finally crashed on a hill. Contacted by the two American media, the helicopter company concerned did not wish to react.