Bell 222 Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach: Initial Details

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A helicopter owned by aviation influencer Eric Nixon crashed in Huntington Beach on Saturday. The Bell 222 went down near a busy coastal highway just after 2 p.m. Five people were injured and transported to area hospitals.

The incident occurred near the “Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast” event. It happened close to the Waterfront Beach Resort and the Hyatt Regency. The aircraft crashed into a pedestrian bridge and a cluster of trees.

Dramatic Footage Shows Helicopter Spiraling Before Impact

Videos shared on social media show the helicopter spinning out of control. Witnesses reported hearing a loud “ping” before the aircraft began to descend. A piece was seen detaching from the helicopter mid-air.

According to Huntington Beach Police spokesperson Corbin Carson, two people were inside the helicopter. Three people on the ground were also injured. All five individuals were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Their current conditions remain undisclosed.

Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene After Crash

Local resident Tim Robinson captured the aftermath on video. He initially thought the crash was a movie stunt. The helicopter spun several times before slamming into a structure and palm trees.

“I heard kind of like a ping, and a part came flying off the helicopter,” Robinson told Fox News Digital. “It started spinning out of control after that.” The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined what led to the mechanical failure.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and will lead the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board will likely determine the probable cause. Such investigations typically take several months to complete.

The crash of Eric Nixon’s Bell 222 helicopter has raised new questions about aircraft safety for public events. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of mechanical failures. The investigation will provide crucial answers in the coming months.

Info at your fingertips

Who owns the helicopter that crashed?

The helicopter was owned by Eric Nixon, a well-known aviation influencer. The Bell 222 had the tail number N222EX. The crash occurred during a public event in Huntington Beach.

How many people were injured in the crash?

Five people total were injured and taken to hospitals. This included the two people inside the helicopter. Three people on the ground also sustained injuries.

Where exactly did the helicopter crash happen?

The crash occurred along the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. It hit a pedestrian bridge near the Waterfront Beach Resort. The wreckage landed in a cluster of trees near homes and businesses.

What caused the helicopter to crash?

The cause remains under investigation by authorities. Witnesses reported hearing a noise and seeing a part fall off. The FAA and NTSB are leading the official investigation.

Was the helicopter part of an event?

Yes, the crash happened near the “Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast” event. The event was being held along the Huntington Beach coastline. It featured both classic cars and helicopter displays.