Kobe Bryant helicopter showed no evidence of engine failure

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others last month, but it appears one possibility has been ruled out.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Friday that the wreckage from the helicopter crash did not show any outward evidence of engine failure. Investigators made that determination after finding a tree branch that was cut at the site of the crash, indicating the helicopters engines were working and rotors were turning at the time of impact.

The helicopter, which was piloted by 50-year-old Ara Zobayan, was not equipped with a device called the Terrain Awareness and Warning System, which warns an aircraft if it is coming too close to the ground. The NTSB has recommended that the system be made mandatory for all helicopters, but the Federal Aviation Administration only currently requires it for air ambulances. Investigators have not yet said whether they believe the system could have helped prevent the crash.

It may take a full year or more before the NTSB’s investigation is complete, but all signs have pointed to weather being a factor in the crash. A chilling video of the helicopter minutes before the tragedy showed that it was flying in very foggy conditions, and audio that was released from before the crash also showed that conditions were not ideal.

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Tributes to Kobe:
– Vanessa Bryant posts first Instagram message since death of Kobe, Gianna
– NBA players changing jersey numbers in honor of Kobe Bryant
– Clippers leave Kobe Bryant’s retired Lakers jerseys uncovered at Staples Center
– Bill Belichick shares touching anecdote in tribute to Kobe Bryant
– UConn honors Gianna Bryant with own jersey, spot on the bench
– Jeanie Buss shares emotional tribute to Kobe, Gianna Bryant on Instagram
– Kobe Bryant could have street named after him near Staples Center
– Video: Shaq gets emotional talking about Kobe Bryant on TNT
– Shareef O’Neal shares most important advice Kobe Bryant gave him
– LeBron James had inspirational message for Lakers during meeting about Kobe
– Video: See LeBron’s tribute speech to Kobe before Lakers game
– Richard Sherman arrived to Super Bowl wearing Kobe Bryant shirt
– Russell Wilson wears Kobe Bryant jersey during Super Bowl pregame coverage
– Dallas Mavericks retire Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey
– Video: Raptors, Spurs start game with amazing tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Shaq posts heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Michael Jordan releases statement on death of ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant
– Video: Doc Rivers breaks down crying talking about Kobe Bryant
– Phil Jackson calls Kobe Bryant ‘a chosen one’ in statement on his death
– NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on death of Kobe Bryant
– Video: Dwyane Wade posts emotional message reacting to Kobe Bryant’s death
– Kendrick Perkins extends olive branch to Kevin Durant after Kobe Bryant’s death
– Gilbert Arenas vows to begin coaching career like Kobe Bryant urged him to
– Video: Emotional Mike Breen sums up NBA world’s emotions about Kobe Bryant’s death
– Damian Lillard puts Kobe Bryant into context with great quote
– Chiefs, 49ers honor Kobe Bryant by lining up at 24-yard line before Super Bowl
– Trae Young’s huge game was full of Kobe Bryant-related statistical coincidences