What a tragic situation with Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven other people who died from the helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. The National Transportation Safety Board did the right thing by calling a press conference to announce its investigation team and got things going. However, the charter company that operated the Sikorsky aircraft, Island Express, didn’t issue one statement.
At first blush, the 35-year-old company appears to hold a stellar safety and operating record. In fact, even the Anaheim Visitors and Tourism Bureau features Island Express on its website. The aircraft involved also holds a good safety record.
Nevertheless, Island Express should at least announce its cooperation with NTSB if for no other reason then they will appear front and center in the investigation As the grieving process for Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and the seven other people subside, questions will arise as to why did this crash occur, how did it occur, and could anything not done prevent the crash from taking place. NTSB will undoubtedly ask the company for maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and other material data to start drawing conclusions. While I don’t want to make accusations, Island Express better get ready. Unfortunately, it appears the company’s website is under construction and its last Facebook post occurred in October 2019.
If anybody out there knows the owners or the operators of Island Express, tell them to get on a Crisis PR plan quickly.
