MODERATOR’S NOTE:
My earlier post (as well as the following post by @MaineLonghorn) was not meant to be construed as compliance is optional. Several posts debating the CO event deleted. I’d prefer not to close the thread, but will do so if monitoring ToS compliances takes too much time.
Two pilots required to perform the basic skill of climbing to a higher altitude? Seems like there must be more to it than that. Hmm…
Edit to add, one site I frequent speculated this…”My helo knowledge is very limited, but I do know that a ‘retreating blade stall’ can occur after an abrupt pull up, especially when operating at high gross weight and high speed. The result of such, is loss of lift and a rolling motion to the left.
Could the pilot have suddenly realized his terrain situation, and initiated an abrupt pull up, and inadvertently stalled? This could account for the left turn and sudden altitude loss.”
Which makes sense, a late realization of the danger.
@jym626 Christina Mauser’s youngest child is 3. Saw a brief clip of her husband who was close to crying. He said the child keeps crying for mommy and can’t understand why mommy isn’t coming home.
Heartbreaking.
I guess the same can be said of our political leaders (on both sides)…let’s just say “it’s complicated”…
From the time he was drafted, Kobe felt he was above the rules.
Kobe was a huge philanthropist- not just with his money, but his time. I’m glad he’s leaving this legacy behind and it seems his friends are going to ensure it continues.
This sounds like the most likely case, and is consistent with witness reports of hearing a change in sound just before the crash - not controlled flight into terrain, where things would sound normal until impact.
I feel for the pilot’s family, as his judgement and skill will be publicly questioned and analyzed for years to come. It’s a risky job.
I saw an interview yesterday with Kobe’s “former helicopter pilot,” and he was asked why there were not two pilots flying that day. He replied “you don’t need two pilots to fly that helicopter.”
You don’t need two pilots to fly a helicopter in VFR/SVFR conditions. In such conditions the pilot must remain clear of clouds. In order to fly in clouds or in IFR conditions the pilot(s) and helicopter must be IFR rated. For the pilot, being IFR rated is like getting a graduate degree. They study and practice flying on instruments only. The aircraft must also be capable of IFR operations requiring more electronics and landing aids. For helicopters (and their pilots) there are different requirements for single pilot or dual pilot IFR operations.
It may not need two pilots, but the opinions seem to vary.
This charter company in the northeast plasters all over their website that theirs are “always dual-piloted.”
Interestingly, the company @OhiBro references fields IFR capable helicopter services.
“With full instrument flight rule (IFR) capabilities to fly safely under reduced weather conditions. And always with two experienced pilots in control. There is no higher priority than your safety.”
It was mentioned on the news once and I haven’t heard anything since but did the accident occur shortly after a transfer from one air traffic controller to another?
Yes, but it has nothing to do with the shift change.
Interesting perspective—multiple facets to the deceased. It’s an NBC news link about a Kobe and doesn’t gloss over the rape allegation or settlement with the victim.
@busdriver11, I don’t know if you can make anything of this, but this is allegedly the conversation the helicopter pilot was having with air traffic control.
The Washington Post reinstates reported it had placed on leave for tweeting about Kobe’s rape accusation and the death threats she received for her tweet about Kobe. WaPo determines the reporter did not violate any policies and apologizes for publicly commenting on personnel matters.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/28/media/washington-post-felicia-sonmez-kobe-bryant/index.html
Well, glad the reporter was reinstated and shame on those who made death threats!
Getting an instrument rating is trivial, whether in a helicopter or fixed wing. Any professional pilot would have an instrument rating, likely required to even get hired.
By the time this investigation is done, they will know what the pilot ate for breakfast three days earlier, and just about everything one can possibly imagine.
Honestly, flying in the Burbank airport area is my least favorite thing to do. Traffic everywhere, from helicopters to IFR, VFR traffic, controllers overwhelmed, terrain. I’m surprised this (or midair collisions) don’t happen there more often.
This is an epic tragedy. Nine lives ended. That one of them is a celebrity gives it wide press coverage. It would have been a heart aching loss to any community. I’m sure that those who were close to the group in that helicopter are reeling from the grief.
What exactly happened is likely a cluster flock of decisions that did not work out favorably, in fact, the consequences are one of the worst possible. We all take chances on things at times could end badly. RIP to all in that horrible crash and condolences, heartfelt, to the families and loved ones who died
The media, in its rabidness to break a story before families are notified or information is verified, said that former NBA player Rick Fox died in the crash. The poor man’s phone was blowing up with calls from his parents, children and friends. He was also Kobe’s friend. It’s just disgusting honestly.