NewsLocal News

Actions

Helicopter pilot in Bryant crash had FAA violation in 2015

Kobe Bryant-Helicopter Pilot
Posted at 10:19 AM, Feb 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-23 11:19:50-05

The pilot of a helicopter that crashed into a Southern California hillside, killing Kobe Bryant and eight others, was reprimanded five years ago for flying without permission into airspace while he had reduced visibility.

A Federal Aviation Administration enforcement record says Ara Zaboyan was counseled in 2015 after he strayed into Los Angeles International Airport space after being denied permission to cross because of reduced visibility.

The FAA record says Zobayan admitted and took responsibility for the error.

Zaboyan, Bryant, Bryant's daughter and six others died last month when their helicopter hit a hillside northwest of Los Angeles in cloudy weather.

Report a typo or error