Kobe Bryant was famous for using his Sikorsky S-76 private helicopter, a type which has a strong safety record

David SlotnickJan 27, 2020, 03:30 IST

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

NBA Basketball icon Kobe Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday.
Bryant was with four others in his private helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76B, a model with a strong safety record and a reputation for serving as a reliable VIP and corporate transport.
Bryant's use of the helicopter to avoid traffic between his Orange County home and Los Angeles was famous, with Bryant even offering the helicopter to help teammates get to doctors' appointments.
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NBA Basketball icon Kobe Bryant, 41, was reportedly killed in a crash of his private helicopter in Calabasas, California, on Sunday.

TMZ reported the Bryant was in his private helicopter with at least three other people when it started to crash.

Pepperdine Graphic, Pepperdine's a student-run newspaper, published a tweet on Sunday that showed an image of the helicopter and smoke in the distance.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said at least five people died in the crash.

"It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Kobe Bryant and four others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas," Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub said during a press conference.

It was not immediately clear who was onboard with Bryant.

Bryant's use of the private helicopter became famous, as the Los AngelesLakers great used the ride to beat Los Angeles traffic - and even help teammates get to doctor appointments.

According to a GQ profile in 2010, Kobe would use the helicopter to fly from his home in Orange County to Lakers home games and elsewhere. Kobe reportedly took advantage of the helicopter to help stay fit for games:

"But sexy as it might seem, Bryant says the helicopter is just another tool for maintaining his body. It's no different than his weights or his whirlpool tubs or his custom-made Nikes. Given his broken finger, his fragile knees, his sore back and achy feet, not to mention his chronic agita, Bryant can't sit in a car for two hours. The helicopter, therefore, ensures that he gets to Staples Center feeling fresh, that his body is warm and loose and fluid as mercury when he steps onto the court."

Bryant's helicopter was a Sikorsky S-76, a type which has had a sterling safety record since its first flight in 1977.

Here is what we know about Bryant's helicopter, and the Sikorsky S-76.

See Kobe Bryant was famous for using his Sikorsky S-76 private helicopter, a type which has a strong safety record >>

NBA legend Kobe Bryant was reportedly killed on Sunday when his private helicopter crashed.

Bryant's private helicopter was a Sikorsky S-76, an aircraft type which first flew in 1977.

His specific helicopter — registration N72EX — was built in 1991. According to FAA records, it was owned by Island Express Holding Corporation, a private helicopter transport company. It was not immediately clear whether Bryant would charter the helicopter, or leased it full-time.

The S-76 was first designed as a medium-helicopter for corporate transportation, especially within the oil industry, where executives were traveling between land and off-shore drilling platforms.

The first Sikorsky helicopter was designed purely for commercial use, it nevertheless took design inspiration from the UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter.

It's found a niche in numerous roles over the years, including medical transportation.

The helicopter Bryant was in was a S-76B variant, which was first introduced in 1987.

The S-76 features twin turboshaft engines which drive one four-bladed main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor.

It's relatively larger and more complex than many other civilian helicopters — which has contributed to a strong safety record over its 40-plus years in service.

Its safety record has been largely attributed to its twin-turbine design, along with more rigorous training standards than some other civilian models, and the fact that it's frequently flown by two pilots, unlike most light helicopters.

Source: FlightSafety International

Still, there have been several prolific incidents, most recently a 2017 crash in Turkey, which appeared to be caused by a combination of poor visibility and pilot error.

The S-76 has been a successful helicopter for corporate and VIP transportation. Its large cabin is especially geared towards comfortable configurations, and coupled with its relative safety and strong performance parameters. Even Queen Elizabeth II has been flown in a Sikorsky S-76.

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