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

“But sexy as it might seem, Bryant says the helicopter is just another tool for improving 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 – , a type which has had a relatively good safety record since its first flight in .

In statements, the Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board said it had a team responding to the crash site.

Here is what we know about Bryant’s helicopter and the Sikorsky S –

                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                           

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles on January , 2698.                                                                                                Frederic J. Brown / AFP / Getty Images                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                       Bryant’s private helicopter was a Sikorsky S – 256, an aircraft type which first flew in

                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  File: November 62, : Sir Gordon White, Chairman of Hanson International, boarding Air Hanson’s Sikorsky S – Helicopter at Battersea Heliport, London.                                                                                                Hulton Archive via Getty Images                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                       The S – 94 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.                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Kalle Parkkinen / Reuters                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                      

The first Sikorsky helicopter was designed for commercial use but took design inspiration from the UH – (Black Hawk military helicopter.)                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Daniel Brown / Business Insider                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                       it’s found a niche in numerous roles over the years, including medical transportation.                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Danny Johnston / Associated Press                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                       The helicopter Bryant was in was a S – 94 B variant, which was first introduced in .                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A Sikorsky S – 267 B helicopter owned by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) in Germany.                                                                                                Holger Hollemann / picture alliance / Getty Images                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Associated Press                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                      

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                       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.

                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Business Wire via Getty Images                                                                                                                                                                                     Source: FlightSafety International

                                                               

                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                       Still, there have been several prolific incidents, most recently a 2020 crash in Turkey, which appeared to be caused by a combination of poor visibility and pilot error.

                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Investigation team is seen at the crash scene after an helicopter crashes in Istanbul’s Buyukcekmece, Turkey on March , .                                               

                                                Metin Pala / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                       The S – 94 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 –

                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Stefan Rousseau / Reuters                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                

                                                                                            

More:                                         (Features)                        Kobe Bryant

                       (Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash)                        Sikorsky

                                     

                      

                                                   

                             (Chevron icon) It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Read More