Over the last few days, helicopter safety has become a pressing issue. Following the and seven their close friends, the investigation has caused many to question if the helicopter accident could have been prevented. Jennifer Homendy, a member the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), shared in a press conference on Tuesday (January 28) t (TAWS) which reportedly lets pilots know when the aircraft gets too close to the terrain.

 
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She wouldn’t go so far as to say whether or not a TAWS system would have prevented an accident in this specific circumstance, but she stated, “Certainly, TAWS could have helped.” According to a report made by TMZ, Sikorsky, the manufacturer the helicopter involved in Bryant’s crash, is urging owners the older S-76 models to add the terrain system. was an optional feature until 2005.

It was also reported that the  flight data recorder, as well, because it wasn’t a standard feature with that older model. TMZ shares that Sikorsky has stated they are “actively supporting the NTSB investigation” and that “Safety is our top priority. If there are any actionable findings from the investigation, we will immediately inform our S-76 customers.”