NBA Report: Aviation Expert Says Source Of Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Was Likely A Fire On Board by NBATitleChase • January 27, 2020 • 0 Comments This gives us an idea what was likely going on before the investiation is complete in Calabasas. PER Auto Evolution The source of the crash seems to have been a fire on board the helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76B built in 1991. Bryant would often commute by chopper back in his NBA days, flying from Newport Beach, CA to the Staples Center in downtown LA on the daily when he had to.Eyewitnesses tell the publication that the chopper was flying very low and was heard spluttering before a fire broke out. However, because of heavy fog, it was difficult to actually see it well. The helicopter went down and exploded, and while emergency personnel were quick on the scene, no one survived.