Kobe Bryant death: Pilot warned he was flying 'too low' moments before chopper crashed into hill in foggy conditions
The pilot flying the ill-fated helicopter that had Kobe Bryant and eight other onboard was reportedly told he was flying too low just moments before the aircraft crashed into a hillside in dense fog. The chopper hit the ground at almost 190 mph and claimed the lives of the 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers legend, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others.
Now, audio of the conversation between Ara Zobayan -- pilot of Kobe’s Sikorsky S-76 helicopter -- and air traffic control reveals he was informed he was flying too low shortly before the tragedy. "Two echo x-ray you are still too low for flight following at this time," the controller is heard saying in the footage, obtained by The Sun. An investigation is yet to determine why the helicopter was flying when most air traffic had been grounded due to foggy conditions.
Considering even the LAPD's own fleet had been grounded, questions remain as to who made the decision to fly in such dangerous weather conditions. Zobayan had planned to land at Burbank Airport. However, he circled mid-air for over 15 minutes waiting for clearance to begin the descent.
After instructions from the controller, the helicopter climbed to 2,000 ft and then hit the mountain at 1,700 ft. Speaking to the New York Post, sources said Zobayan was in charge of the helicopter when it hit the ground. Several observers pointed out the crash was most likely a result of him being disoriented rather than mechanical failure.
Flying around mountains has resulted in a number of helicopter crashes. The New York magazine conducted a detailed analysis of the flight path and found the pilot was attempting to negotiate hilly terrain while flying visually.
“When you get in the soup, your senses don’t work," said Paul Cline, assistant professor of aviation at New York University.
The aircraft subsequently smashed into a rugged hillside with an impact that scattered debris for almost a mile and killed everyone on board. Air traffic controllers were trying to guide the helicopter to safety, per the audio exchange, but lost contact just moments before it crashed.
Among the victims were Bryant, his daughter Gianna, college baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and their daughter Alyssa (who was a friend of Gianna's), Sarah and Payton Chester, and one of the coaches at Kobe's youth academy, Christina Mauser, who was married to Tijuana Dogs singer Matt Mauser.
"My kids and I are devastated,” Matt wrote on Facebook. “We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash. Please respect our privacy. Thank you for all the well wishes they mean so much."
Authorities are now closely investigating both the aircraft and its pilot to determine what exactly led to the tragic crash. Zobayan was a veteran pilot beloved by many, who expressed their shock and sadness at his demise. "Thank you for being such great motivation while I was getting my PPL," one said. "Thanks for always chatting with me when you flew in 72 and inspiring me to become a great helicopter pilot. Everyone will really miss you," another wrote.