The death of Kobe Bryant not only has hit the NBA. Everyone regrets the death of this star of US basketball. The tragic accident took greater dimensions when it was reported that his daughter Gianna “GiGi” Maria-Onore, 13, had also died along with seven other people who were in the helicopter Sikorsky S-76.
The accident occurred on Sunday morning, in the hills of the city of Calabasas, northeast of Los Angeles. Initially, different media reported that the accident was caused after complications due to the dense fog in the area.
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► Kobe Bryant dies: what is known about the helicopter accident in which he died with his 13-year-old daughter and another 7 people
For its part, the Daily Mail indicated that the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter had its first difficulties while flying over the Los Angeles Zoo. It was there that he would have been flying low and received a warning. Finally, the ship crashed into a hill, instantly killing Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven other people.
Map of the place where the accident occurred:
How is a helicopter Sikorsky S-76?
The Sikorsky S-76 helicopter is produced by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The company, upon learning of the fatal accident of Kobe Bryant, expressed concern and condolences in its social networks.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the January 26 accident of Sikorsky S-76 B in Calabasas, California. We have been in contact with the NTSB and are ready to provide assistance and support to the research authorities and our client. Safety is our top priority, “they said.
The manufacturer’s website indicates that since 1977 more than 875 S-76 series helicopters have been delivered worldwide.
According to media such as 20 Minutes and El Tiempo, this helicopter model is priced at $ 13 million.
This Sikorsky S-76 series has a capacity of up to 13 passengers, in addition to the two pilots. It measures 16 meters long and has a height of almost 5. It weighs about 2 tons and can support a little more than 5 tons for takeoff.
Its maximum operating speed is 287 km / h and reaches a maximum height of 13,780 feet, about 4,200 meters.
The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation indicates that more than 10% of flight hours comprise complicated life-saving missions, participating in rescue work and acting as an air ambulance.
#Update Downed aircraft is a helicopter. Flames extinguished. #Malibu deputies at crash site looking for survivors, 4200 blk Las Virgenes Rd #Calabasas #THE D pic.twitter.com/eixLhGhLyE
– LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 26, 2020
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The S-76 series helicopters are also known for their work as VIP transport, as was the case with Kobe Bryant.
The manufacturing company indicates that currently more than 178 customers operate these helicopters, either in a corporate role or as personal transport. They also detail that 10 countries use them to transport their presidents.
“Sikorsky is proud of the legacy of the S-76 fleet. With more than 7.4 million hours of safe and successful flight, we are committed to supporting the platform and continuous product improvements, ”says the manufacturer’s website.
According to La Nación de Argentina, this type of helicopter “has two engines, has the main rotor and the four-blade tail rotor, as well as a retractable landing gear.” In addition, they emphasize that the company offers ten models for civil use and another three for military work.
According to Infobae, each flight cost at least $ 2,000 to Kobe Bryant, which paid without any problem to avoid traffic that could last up to two hours.
The journalist Mauricio Cárdenas said on Twitter that Kobe Bryant “had his Mamba Sports academy, where his daughter Gigi, 13, played in the basketball team.” As indicated in their publication, that day they were heading to a party.
Below is a special report on the tragic death of #KobeBryant, his daughter and seven other people. I just returned from the scene of the tragedy and this was part of the information I could gather. Goes.
– Mauricio Cárdenas (@MauricioSports) January 27, 2020
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For his part, the pilot Kurt Deetz told The Times that he flew with Kobe Bryant from 2014 to 2016.
Kurt Deetz said he spent more than 1,000 hours flying the ship that crashed on Sunday and remembered it as “a Cadillac, a limousine.” In addition, he stressed that he always had good maintenance.
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