The FAA reports that the helicopter that crashed in Calabasas, Calif. on Sunday was a Sikorsky S-76, a helicopter often used for comfortable transportation of VIP’s and corporate executives. We know that as many as nine people were killed, including retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
The Sikorsky S-76
Sikorsky has been selling the S-76 line of helicopters since 1977.
File Photo | Courtesy: Sikorsky
According to the company’s website, more than half of the flight hours for the S-76 helicopters are for “offshore” missions, such as those with oil companies.
The S-76 is also used by more than 178 customers for corporate or VIP flights and ten countries use this model of helicopter for their heads of state, according to Sikorsky.
The S-76 fleet is known as a reliable and durable the line and has a solid safety record.
They can accommodate a crew of two pilots and up to 13 passengers depending on the configuration.
The S-76 has been used for everything from private flight to air ambulances and rescue helicopters. Boston Med Flight uses the S-76 for some of its medical helicopter fleet.
The maximum cruise speed is roughly 155 knots, or 178 mph, with a range of more than 470 miles.
The Calabasas Crash
The helicopter in this particular crash was an S-76B. According to FAA records, the helicopter was manufactured in 1991. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney PT6 series turboshaft engines.
File Photo | Courtesy: FlightAware
Records show the chopper was owned by a holding corporation in California. Kobe Bryant flew frequently in this helicopter over the years, but at the time of this writing it is unclear whether he owned or leased the aircraft.
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Air traffic control audio: Kobe Bryant helicopter operating under VFR clearance, was headed to Camarillo Airport According to flight records from FlightRadar24, the helicopter completed seven flights over three days prior to the fatal crash.
Less than an hour before the crash the helicopter had flown from the Long Beach airport to the Orange County airport, where it appears that it picked up Bryant, his daughter and the other passengers. The data shows that the group was headed back toward Calabasas or Long Beach at the time of the crash.
A few minutes before the crash, the data shows that the helicopter did several small circles over Los Angeles while at an altitude of between 600 and 800 feet, apparently due to an air traffic control hold. The chopper then flew to the northwest over a less populated area and crashed a few minutes later.
Witnesses near the crash scene reported that the engines may have been making a sputtering sound before impact. There are also reports that there was heavy fog in the area, possibly obstructing the view of the mountains.
Courtesy: FlightRadar24
FlightRadar24 did a more granular plotting of the flight data (above) which showed a steep drop in vertical speed in the 30 seconds before what appears to have been the point of impact.
Sikorsky sent a tweet that said, “We have been in contact with the NTSB and stand ready to provide assistance and support to the investigative authorities and our customer.” The NTSB is on scene and leading the investigation.
We extend our sincerest condolences to all those affected by today’s Sikorsky S-76B accident in Calabasas, California. We have been in contact with the NTSB and stand ready to provide assistance and support to the investigative authorities and our customer. — Sikorsky (@Sikorsky) January 26, 2020