Kobe Helicopter Crash: Island Express Sues Air Traffic Control

LOS ANGELES, CA — Island Express, the helicopter company involved in the fatal crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and seven others, is suing a pair of air traffic controllers over the acccident. The company blames two air controllers, saying they committed a series of "erroneous acts and/or omissions" that led to the chopper's downfall.

The suit claims the pilot, Ara Zobayan, had requested radar assistance as he navigated the foggy skies. However, the air-traffic controller said "I'm going to lose radar and comms probably pretty shortly," and was eventually relieved by another operator.

The lawsuit claims the first controller never told his replacement "as to the existence" of the helicopter, despite leading Zobayan to believe he was being supported with flight following.

Island Express claims the controller errors caused the pilot excessive stress and distractions, and "significantly impacted the pilot's ability to fly the aircraft."

At least four lawsuits have been filed against Island Express Helicopters in the months since the crash, including one by Bryant's wife, Vanessa, and others from relatives of other passengers aboard the aircraft.

According to PEOPLE, the company responded to Vanessa Bryant saying Kobe and Gigi had "assumed the risks" of the helicopter ride. The company also claimed the crash was "beyond the control of and unrelated to any actions or conduct."

City News Service and Kenan Draughorne contributed to this report.