![](https://flightsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/islandexpress2-76-e1615563439625.jpg)
The Sikorsky S-76B was in a rapidly descending left turn when the pilot told air traffic control that he planned to climb to 4,000 ft above mean sea level (MSL); within seconds, the helicopter struck the ground, killing the pilot and his eight passengers, including basketball star Kobe Bryant.