Heavy fog was very likely a factor in the fatal helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others on Sunday. The foggy conditions were severe enough that local police agencies grounded their helicopters on Sunday.
According to reports, Bryant’s private helicopter was given a special clearance to fly from air traffic control.
The NTSB and FAA are investigating the crash site in Calabasas, CA to try to determine the cause.
Kurt Deetz, a former copter pilot for Bryant, told the LA Times that bad weather was a much more likely to cause the crash than engine trouble.
If the weather was unsafe, who should be held responsible for the crash? Do you think we’ll ever know the cause for certain?
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Fans create a 'RIP Kobe Bryant' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in an empty star on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Bryant, was a five-time NBA champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was 41. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Reportedly Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareCALABASAS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Alternate crop.) Wreckage of the crashed helicopter that was carrying former NBA star Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna smolders on the ground on January 26, 2020 in Calabasas, California. According to reports, five people including Bryant and his daughter have been confirmed killed in the crash. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Flowers and tributes are left at a makeshift memorial for former NBA player Kobe Bryant outside the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Bryant, 41, died today in a helicopter crash in near Calabasas, California. (Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Flowers and tributes are left at a makeshift memorial for former NBA player Kobe Bryant outside the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Bryant, 41, died today in a helicopter crash in near Calabasas, California. (Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Reportedly Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareCALABASAS, CA - JANUARY 26: Investigators work at the scene of a helicopter crash that killed former NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Calabasas, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics v New Orleans Pelicans
ShareNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 26: A young fan hold a sign in memory of former player Kobe Bryant during a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Reportedly Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareNEWBURY PARK, CA - JANUARY 26: People mourn at a makeshift memorial at Mamba Sports Academy for former NBA great Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash while commuting to the academy on January 26, 2020 in Newbury Park, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash in Calabasas, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets v New York Knicks
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 26: A moment of silence is held for former Los Angeles Laker great Kobe Bryant before the game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on January 26, 2020 in New York City.Bryant died in a helicopter crash early this morning.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Candles and pictures laid by fans at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Candles and pictures laid by fans at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Fans listening to speakers at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Distraught Los Angeles Lakers fan Naima Smith crying at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Najee Ali speaks at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Victor Nava holds up his sign at LA Live to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Fans gather at LA Live to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Los Angeles Lakers fans gather to pay respects at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Fans gather at LA Live to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Remembers NBA Star Kobe Bryant
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Los Angeles Lakers fans gather to pay respects at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards – Show
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Images for the late Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant are projected onto a screen while (L-R) YG, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, and Roddy Ricch perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
Steven Tyler’s Third Annual GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party To Benefit Janie’s Fund Presented By Live Nation – Inside
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: A general view of atmosphere during Steven Tyler's Third Annual GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party to benefit Janie’s Fund presented by Live Nation at Raleigh Studios on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Janie's Fund)
Kobe Bryant Reportedly Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: People mourn for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, near Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: People mourn for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, near Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Memorial signage hangs near people mourning for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, near Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: People mourn for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, near Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: People mourn for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, near Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant Killed In Helicopter Crash In Calabasas Hills
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: People mourn for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, near Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
