LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal safety officials have blamed the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others on board last year on the pilot’s poor decision to fly into clouds where he became disoriented and plunged into a Southern California hillside. The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday said poor visibility because of thick fog north of Los Angeles probably led the pilot to become disoriented. The agency’s findings came after the Jan. 26, 2020 crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star. Pilot Ara Zobayan frequently flew Bryant. Investigators say he ignored his training and violated federal regulations.
Mark J. Terrill/AP
FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2020, file photo, firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. Federal safety officials are expected to vote Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, on what likely caused the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others to crash into a Southern California hillside last year, killing all aboard. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Posted
and last updated
,
Weather
Sunday
05/24/2026
Clear
-° / 61°
1%
Monday
05/25/2026
Clear
89° / 58°
3%
Tuesday
05/26/2026
Partly Cloudy
77° / 56°
2%
Wednesday
05/27/2026
Partly Cloudy
76° / 57°
15%
Thursday
05/28/2026
Mostly Clear
77° / 57°
3%
Friday
05/29/2026
Clear
83° / 60°
1%
Saturday
05/30/2026
Clear
89° / 61°
1%
Sunday
05/31/2026
Clear
90° / 62°
0%