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Photo Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images
The lawsuit alleges the helicopter violated previous flight protocols.
TMZ is reporting that Vanessa Bryant has filed a lawsuit against Island Express, the company that produced the helicopter carrying Kobe and Gianna Bryant before its fatal crash on January 26. The lawsuit claims the aircraft should never have taken off on January 26.
According to the lawsuit, Island Express helicopters can only legally fly under visual flight rules. On that fateful day, the weather conditions should have prevented the pilot from starting the flight. The area was dense with fog at the time of the helicopter's takeoff.
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The lawsuit claims that the pilot failed to properly monitor and assess the weather prior to take off, and also failed to obtain proper weather data. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses the company of engaging in "unnecessary and needlessly risky means of transportation given the circumstances."
The lawsuit also cites the helicopter pilot, Ara George Zobayan's flight record before the crash occurred. In 2015, Zobayan faced discipline for violating visual flight rule minimums.
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Amongst other things, the suit seeks damages for "loss of love, affection, care, society, service, comfort, and support." Additionally, Bryant seeks damages for loss of financial support, burial and funeral expenses, as well as expectations of future support and counseling.
The lawsuit does not specify the exact amount of damages sought.
SOURCE: TMZ
