Kobe Bryant's Helicopter Was Once Owned By State Of Illinois

ILLINOIS — The helicopter that crashed Sunday near Calabasas, California, killing NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven other people, previously belonged to the State of Illinois and was used for "VIP transport" of governors and other officials, according to multiple reports.

The helicopter was one of five aircraft sold by the state in 2015, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner said at the time. The state's online auction website said the helicopter was manufactured in 1991 and sold for $515,161 in 2015. The site includes photos of both the interior and exterior of the Sikorsky-76 helicopter.

After it was purchased by private helicopter transport company Island Express Holding Corporation of Van Nuys, California, the plane's tail number was changed to N72EX, according to WGN. It was also given a new paint job that included the Nike "swoosh" logo and Bryant's "sheath" insignia.

Business Insider reported that Bryant was famous for using a private helicopter rather than driving, saying, "Bryant's use of the private helicopter became well known as the LA Lakers great used it to beat Los Angeles traffic and even help teammates get to doctor appointments."

According to a 2010 GQ profile of Bryant, the five-time NBA champion would take a helicopter from his home in Orange County to games at the Staples Center, saying it helped him avoid long car rides that exacerbated conditions including a sore back, aching feet and chronic agita.

The Sikorsky-76 helicopter has a strong safety record, according to Business Insider.

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