Some details revealed on the Kobe Bryant 'copter crash.

[bob10]

Pilot error, it would seem at first glance.

Kobe Bryant: Details of fatal helicopter crash revealed (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/kobe-bryant-details-of-fatal-helicopter-crash-revealed/ar-BBZsEq0?ocid=spartandhp)

[JDNSW]

This has all the hallmarks of a VFR flight that unintentionally flew into weather that was not VMC and lost control.

[Old Farang]

Like most "accidents" there is usually not just one reason, but an accumulation of small things that lead to disaster. Reported elsewhere are several points; there was fog in the area and the pilot had requested "special VFR" applicable to helicopters; ATC directed him to hold at one point due to IFR traffic, which involved circling; it is not clear how current, or even qualified the pilot was for IFR flight; but probably the most common recurring reason for these type of accidents is "get homeitis". In this case the daughter was to play in some important(to her) game and needed to be there on time.

Just as an aside I once flew a helicopter through that airspace and believe me if some of the procedures that I encountered were to happen in Australia CASA would ground every pilot involved!

[bob10]

The helicopter was not certified for IFR flight.


Kobe Bryant chopper was restricted from flying in fog (https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2020/02/01/kobe-bryant-chopper-fog/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Sunday%20Best%20-%2020200202)

[JDNSW]

I am reminded of the occasion I travelled from Sydney to Essendon as a passenger in my employer's Gulfstream. We were warned that weather was really thick in Melbourne, and we might end up somewhere else. As we approched I was looking anxiously out the window for a sight of the ground. The first sign of the ground I saw was the fog shrouded lights of the Tullamarine freeway - about fifty feet below our wheels. It is quite possible that the pilots could see the approach lighting a bit before that, but I would be very surprised if they did. Those pilots though, were certainly instrument rated and had the best equipment available, and were landing at their home airport. But I am convinced they descended well below minimums before sighting the field. I believe it was the only flight that got into either Essendon or Tullamarine that evening. The tower must have been aware of this.

[Old Farang]

The helicopter was not certified for IFR flight.


Kobe Bryant chopper was restricted from flying in fog (https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2020/02/01/kobe-bryant-chopper-fog/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Sunday%20Best%20-%2020200202)
This type of news report is just BS, posted by some talking head reporter. For a start the flight was VFR, albeit "special" VFR. The operators licence was part 135(charter), VFR only. The pilot has been reported as being IFR qualified, but NOT current. The helicopter WAS IFR equipped.

[JDNSW]

This type of news report is just BS, posted by some talking head reporter. For a start the flight was VFR, albeit "special" VFR. The operators licence was part 135(charter), VFR only. The pilot has been reported as being IFR qualified, but NOT current. The helicopter WAS IFR equipped.

That is exactly the sort of situation that is likely to tempt a pilot into entering IMC. "I'm qualified, the plane is equipped, what to lose?" Forgetting that by the time "special VFR has deteriorated to where a plan B is needed", this is not the time or place to consider changing to IFR. The reason Special VFR exists for helicopters is that they can travel very slowly, stop if necessary, and turn back, or even make an emergency landing in many cases (I seem to remember Reg Ansett making an emergency landing in a Melbourne suburb in similar circumstances on his way to work many years ago.

[Old Farang]

There are many BS helicopter pilots whose ego is much bigger than their abilities. Don't ask me how I have first hand knowledge.
The following is some valid points made by a pilot with a mop of grey hair that knows what he is talking about. Yes, it is possible to come to a stop and hover, just don't attempt it in fog or cloud! The same with auto pilots, most of them don't work below about 60 knots airspeed. Several other relevant points in the video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ymcG-YKOCM

[JDNSW]

There are many BS helicopter pilots whose ego is much bigger than their abilities. Don't ask me how I have first hand knowledge.
The following is some valid points made by a pilot with a mop of grey hair that knows what he is talking about. Yes, it is possible to come to a stop and hover, just don't attempt it in fog or cloud! The same with auto pilots, most of them don't work below about 60 knots airspeed. Several other relevant points in the video.


Yes. Use the come to a stop and hover to avoid IMC.

[bob10]

This type of news report is just BS, posted by some talking head reporter. For a start the flight was VFR, albeit "special" VFR. The operators licence was part 135(charter), VFR only. The pilot has been reported as being IFR qualified, but NOT current. The helicopter WAS IFR equipped.


I value your knowledge and experience, but I thought that is exactly what the article stated. In not such a direct way, of course.

[Old Farang]

Nothing unexpected with this:

Pilot 'disorientation' likely caused Kobe Bryant crash, NTSB says


Pilot 'disorientation' likely caused Kobe Bryant crash, NTSB says (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ntsb-reveals-likely-cause-of-helicopter-crash-that-killed-kobe-bryant/ar-BB1dxqrr)


https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BBAJafS.img?h=24&w=24&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&f=png (http://www.nbcnews.com/)Pilot 'disorientation' likely caused Kobe Bryant crash, NTSB says




https://www.aulro.com/afvb/image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC 1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CY II=A helicopter pilot's "spatial disorientation" played a key role in the crash that killed (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-los-angeles-area-helicopter-crash-n1123406) basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and several friends last year, federal authorities said Tuesday.