Bryant Often Used a Sikorsky S-76B To Avoid SoCal Traffic

ANN RealTime Update, 1838 ET, 012620: Numerous media outlets have confirmed that a helicopter carrying NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant, has gone down with the loss of all on board. The total fatalities, most recently confirmed by local Law Enforcement, stands at nine people, all reportedly traveling in the rotorcraft.

The accident site is in Calabasas, California. THe weather was overcast with somewhat impaired visibility, while the accident was reported to have occurred at approximately 1000 local time.

Sources confirm that the aircraft involved was a Sikorsky S-76B, N72EX, owned by Island Express Holding Corp. The S-76B series was powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-36A or Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-36B turboshaft engines. There were 101 S-76Bs built.

Few details are available at this point, the accident scene shows wide dispersal of the wreckage and extensive fire and smoke.

Tragically; Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna “GiGi” Bryant, has now been confirmed as one of the passengers in the accident.

Accident investigators are at or enroute to the site, and high-level NTSB involvement is expected. 

We will have more info when available.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov