Expert Opinion
AINsight: Spatial Disorientation Training for Bizav Pilots
Recommendation from Kobe Bryant crash investigation called for pilot spatial disorientation training
flight path of Sikorsky S76B
The flight path of the Sikorsky S76B helicopter that killed Kobe Bryant near Calabasas, California. © NTSB

The fallout from a fatal helicopter crash in 2020 that killed a pilot and eight occupants continues as the FAA now recommends spatial disorientation training for pilots operating under Part 91, 91K, and/or 135. Spatial disorientation was a probable cause of this high-profile accident, according to the NTSB. The recent FAA action closes a formal NTSB recommendation to enhance spatial disorientation training for business aviation pilots.

On Jan. 26, 2020, a Sikorsky S-76B crashed short of its planned destination of Camarillo Airport (KCMA) in Southern California. The crash killed the pilot, as well as Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and six family friends.

Stuart “Kipp” Lau
Contributor - Safety
About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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