NTSB sets meeting to determine cause of helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant

The National Transportation Safety Board announced its intent to hold a public board meeting Feb. 9, 2021, 9:30 a.m. (EST), to determine the probable cause of the fatal, Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash near Calabasas, California.

The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter collided with hilly terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and fire. The pilot and eight passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter operated by Island Express Helicopters Inc., was on an on-demand passenger, visual flight rules flight, from John Wayne-Orange County Airport, Santa Ana, California, to Camarillo Airport, Camarillo, California.

In keeping with established federal and local social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, while also ensuring the NTSB’s compliance with the Government in the Sunshine Act, the board meeting for this investigation will be webcast to the public, with the board members and investigative staff meeting virtually. There will be no physical gathering to facilitate the board meeting.

WHO: NTSB investigative staff and board members.

WHAT: A webcast of a virtual board meeting.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, 9:30 a.m. (EST).

HOW: The board meeting will be webcast only, there will not be a public gathering of NTSB investigative staff or board members. A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com/.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt is scheduled to hold a virtual media availability at 2 p.m. (EST), to answer questions about the board meeting, the NTSB’s investigation of the accident, and the safety recommendations issued by the board.

The virtual media availability with Chairman Sumwalt will be conducted using Microsoft Teams. Journalists who RSVP to ntsbmediarelations@ntsb.gov will receive an email with the link and information about how the availability will be conducted. A recording of the availability will be made available on the NTSB’s YouTube channel as soon as practicable.