Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach Injures 5 During ‘Cars ’N Copters’ Event: Latest Updates

A helicopter crash in Huntington Beach, California, left five people injured on Saturday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response and major road closures along the Pacific Coast Highway. The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street, close to the beachfront Hyatt resort.

Authorities confirmed that two people aboard the helicopter and three pedestrians on the ground were hospitalized following the crash. The incident unfolded during the popular “Cars ’N Copters” event, which draws large crowds to the area each year.

What We Know So Far About the Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash

According to Huntington Beach Fire Department officials, the helicopter crashed shortly after 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Video footage captured by OnScene.TV shows the aircraft spiraling out of control before slamming into a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Pacific Coast Highway. Moments later, smoke was seen billowing from the wreckage, though firefighters were able to extinguish it quickly.

“At this time, the two people who were in the helicopter have been safely pulled from the wreckage, and three people on the street have sustained injuries,” said Huntington Beach Police spokesperson Corbin Carson. “All five individuals are being transported to the hospital for treatment.”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Federal aviation officials, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have been notified and are expected to take part in the inquiry. Hazmat teams from Huntington Beach and Anaheim Fire and Rescue were also dispatched as a precaution due to possible fuel leaks.

Authorities closed Pacific Coast Highway between Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard as crews worked to secure the area and remove the wreckage. Officials urged the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes as cleanup and investigation efforts continued into the evening.

Witness Accounts and Impact on the Community

Several eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter struggling to maintain altitude before spinning and crashing near the busy event area. “It looked like it was trying to land but then just started spinning,” one witness told local media. “People were screaming and running as debris fell.”

The annual “Cars ’N Copters” event, a popular gathering of exotic cars and helicopters, was ongoing at the time of the crash, attracting large crowds near the beach. Emergency crews responded within minutes, pulling the two occupants from the wreckage and treating injured pedestrians.

Officials have not released details on the conditions of the five people hospitalized. Their identities have also not been disclosed pending family notification. No fatalities were reported as of Saturday evening.

The crash marks one of the most serious aviation incidents in Huntington Beach in recent years. It also raises renewed questions about safety protocols during public events involving low-flying aircraft.

The investigation is still in its early stages, and more information about the helicopter crash in Huntington Beach — including the cause, the condition of those injured, and possible safety changes — is expected in the coming days.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Where did the Huntington Beach helicopter crash happen?

The crash occurred near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street, close to the beachfront Hyatt resort.

Q2: How many people were injured in the Huntington Beach helicopter crash?

Five people were hospitalized, including two on board the helicopter and three pedestrians on the ground.

Q3: What event was happening during the crash?

The “Cars ’N Copters” event, a popular annual gathering of exotic cars and helicopters, was underway at the time.

Q4: What is the status of the investigation?

The cause of the crash is under investigation. The NTSB and FAA are expected to participate in the inquiry.

Q5: Is Pacific Coast Highway open again?

Authorities closed the highway between Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard after the crash. Drivers were asked to avoid the area until cleanup was complete.