'I still can't believe this. 'My brother lives in Los Angeles. It was the 374th S-76B built by Sikorsky, according to online records. Audio between the pilot of helicopter Kobe’s Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, which had the tail number N72EX, and air traffic control reveals he was told he wasIt was not known whether the pilot of Bryant's helicopter, But he was described as "an incredible pilot" who always "remained cool, calm and collected".The one-time star forward was known since his playing days to travel frequently by helicopter to avoid the Los Angeles area's notorious traffic.There were no immediate indications of defects or systems failures. According to Federal Aviation Administration records, it was owned by Island Express Holding Corp, a private helicopter transport company.It was not clear whether Bryant chartered the helicopter or leased it.Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched separate crash investigations.Among the factors expected to be at the forefront of the probe are weather conditions, given that forecasters reported low clouds and limited visibility in the vicinity at the time of the crash.Visibility in the area was so bad Sunday morning that the LA Police Department grounded its helicopter fleet until that afternoon, the Los Angeles Times and CNN reported. On its website, Lockheed Martin says, “Sikorsky is proud of the S-76 fleet’s legacy. This was the chopper that The helicopter was sold in August 2015 for $515,161 to Jim Bagge, who owns JB Helicopter Accessory Service in Sun Valley, California. It is not clear if the helicopter was bought for the company by Bagge or was sold by him to them after the auction.According to the FAA registration, the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter has two twin turbo-shaft engines made by Pratt & Whitney, and four-bladed main and tail rotors. The helicopter that crashed near Calabasas, California, killing The helicopter was previously owned by the state of Illinois and was built in 1991. 'There aren’t a lot of people readily qualified to fly it,' he said. The crash shouldn’t blemish the reputation of the helicopter. Over 35 years IEX Helicopters started flying to Catalina Island with a single helicopter. Deetz, the former Island Express pilot, told The Los Angeles Times weather conditions were poor in the area where the helicopter crashed. travel, was a favorite of Mr. Bryant, who often commuted by helicopter during his playing career. Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it – Ernest Holmes The helicopter has been flown in the past by Lorenzo Lamas, an actor who now works as a professional pilot. It was registered by Island Express Holding Corp with the FAA on September 3, 2015. Posting on her Instagram story, Kylie shared a touching message which included small photos of the nine victims of the crash. The model is frequently used for transporting VIPs, and experts have compared the S-76B to a 'limousine'.Sikorsky, which was sold to defense giant Lockheed Martin in 2015, began manufacturing the $13 million helicopter line in 1977 and claims it has 'more than 7.4 million hours of safe, successful flight'.It is unclear whether the pilot killed in Sunday's crash, 50-year-old Ara Zobayan, was flying the helicopter while the video was shot.However, he is noted as being Island Express' chief pilot and has worked for the company for 10 years. DiFiore and his companies could not be reached for comment. Deetz believes the helicopter (control system pictured) more than likely crashed due to bad weather rather than engine or mechanical issues'The likelihood of a catastrophic twin engine failure on that aircraft — it just doesn't happen,' Deetz said. Browse our inventory of new and used SIKORSKY S-76C Turbine Helicopters For Sale near you at Controller.com. Initially this helicopter was designed and developed for CHC Helicopter Corporation, Canada. We have been in contact with the NTSB and stand ready to provide assistance and support to the investigative authorities and our customer.In a statement after the Calabasas crash, Sikorsky said, “We extend our sincerest condolences to all those affected by today’s Sikorsky S-76B accident in Calabasas, California. His specific helicopter — registration N72EX — was built in 1991. 'Rest in peace .. and prayers to these families,' she wrote below the images. The footage was filmed by a passenger inside the chopper and shows a young boy watching out the aircraft window as the Sikorsky S-76B flew over the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Southern CaliforniaBryant flew in the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter he'd used to travel for years. Bell 206A, B thru S/N 3566, Interior Trim - Complete Kits; Bell 206A, B thru S/N 3566, Interior Trim - Front Section; Bell 206A, B thru S/N 3566, Interior Trim - Center Section
A spokesman said: "We extend our sincerest condolences to all those affected by today’s Sikorsky S-76B accident in Calabasas, California. The helicopter was operated by Island Express Helicopters.