Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash Injures Five Ahead of Charity Air Show

A helicopter crashed near a popular California beach on Saturday, injuring five people. The incident occurred in Huntington Beach just after 2 p.m. local time. Two people aboard the aircraft and three people on the ground, including a child, were rushed to a local hospital.

The crash happened just one day before a scheduled “Cars and Copters” charity event. Witnesses captured video of the helicopter spinning out of control before it slammed into a grove of palm trees.

Chaos on the California Coast

The Bell 222 helicopter experienced a catastrophic loss of control. According to The Independent, it spun wildly in midair before crashing. The aircraft became wedged between trees and a pedestrian bridge staircase near the Pacific Coast Highway.

Witness Kevin Bullat described hearing strange mechanical sounds. He told CBS News he then saw the helicopter spinning out of control. His friend reported seeing debris fly across the busy highway.

The impact sheared off the helicopter’s tail section. Debris was scattered across a nearby beach parking lot. Emergency crews worked for hours to secure the scene and remove the wreckage.

Link to “Cars and Copters” Event

Authorities confirmed the helicopter was linked to the “Cars and Copters on the Coast” event. This annual fundraiser showcases luxury cars and private helicopters. An exclusive pre-event party was underway at a nearby resort lounge.

Event organizers released a statement sending prayers to those involved. Despite the crash, they announced the main Sunday show would proceed as planned. Their decision emphasized a commitment to the charity cause.

The helicopter’s owner is Eric Nixon, a well-known aviation enthusiast. Nixon is famous on social media for his daring stunt pilot videos. It is not yet confirmed if he was flying the aircraft during the accident.

Federal Investigation Launched

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened a full investigation. They will determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure. Officials have not released any preliminary findings.

The crash highlights the risks of low-altitude flight maneuvers over populated areas. The investigation will likely focus on maintenance records and pilot actions. The findings could influence future regulations for similar aerial displays.

The Huntington Beach helicopter crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of aviation, even during planned charitable events. The community now awaits answers as federal investigators begin their meticulous work.

Info at your fingertips

Where exactly did the helicopter crash happen?

The crash occurred near the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, California. The aircraft hit palm trees near a pedestrian bridge connecting the beach to the Waterfront Beach Resort.

Who was injured in the crash?

Five people were injured and taken to the hospital. This included two people from inside the helicopter and three people on the ground. One of the pedestrians was a child.

Was the helicopter part of an event?

Yes, the aircraft was associated with the “Cars and Copters on the Coast” charity event. The crash happened during pre-event activities the day before the main show.

Who is investigating the crash?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation. They will examine the wreckage and flight data to determine the cause.

Who owns the crashed helicopter?

The helicopter is owned by Eric Nixon, a popular stunt pilot and social media aviation personality. Authorities have not confirmed if he was piloting the aircraft at the time.

Trusted Sources: The Independent, CBS News