NTSB asking public for photos on day Bryant helicopter crashed

Transcript

Investigators continue to scour for clues in the helicopter crash that killed nine people including NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

And they are turning to the public for help.

As of Monday, the NTSB is still investigating if weather played a role in the crash and they are asking members of the public to send in photos of the weather in the area in order to determine flying conditions on the day of the crash.

Investigators have detailed the final moments of the helicopter before it crashed.

Pilot Ara Zobayan circled the helicopter for twelve minutes until air traffic approved its a special clearance to fly.

Once approved, the pilot requested radar assistance to avoid traffic but air traffic control said the helicopter was flying too low to provide assistance.

Zobayan said he was going to climb higher to avoid a cloud layer.

When air traffic control asked him what he planned to do, there was no response.

The last radar contact was around 9:45am Pacific time.

The crash impact broke the helicopter into pieces, creating a debris field stretching about 500 to 600 feet.

When asked about any chance for survival, NTSB officials said it was a pretty devastating accident scene and survival would’ve been unlikely.

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office said a team of investigators have recovered three bodies from the crash site.

Authorities have not said which victims have been recovered.

Complicating the investigation is the hundreds of mourners who have flocked to the crash site.

An emergency ordinance has been issued making it a misdemeanor to unlawfully access the site.

Deputies are patrolling the rugged terrain on horseback.

Posted 1.28.20