FILE – This undated file photo provided by Group 3 Aviation shows helicopter pilot Ara Zobayan standing outside a helicopter, at a location not provided. (Group 3 Aviation via AP, File)
The pilot who flew Kobe Bryant’s helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles last month had prior violations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The LA Times reported Friday that Ara Zobayan, who was among the nine killed in the incident, had gotten in trouble with the FAA years prior.
Firefighters work the scene of a helicopter crash where former NBA star Kobe Bryant died, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
According to 2015 records, Zobayan had crossed into airspace by the LAX airport, even though air traffic control denied his request to enter due to low visibility from weather conditions.
The late pilot worked for Island Express Helicopters Inc. during Kobe’s crash and the 2015 incident. The helicopter company reported that Zobayan had additional flight training due to his poor judgement at LAX.
Officials said the pilot had been struggling with the same issue of low visibility conditions the day of the recent 2020 crash. This could have ultimately led to the death of Kobe Bryant and the others on the helicopter.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
