Five individuals sustained injuries following a helicopter accident near a California beach where sunbathers were present. Huntington Beach Police responded to the incident around 2:00pm local time after receiving reports of the helicopter crashing in the beach parking lot between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were informed, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. A member of the public captured the frightening moment when the helicopter descended from the sky and collided with trees.
The pilot, identified as Eric Nixon, known for his daring flying stunts, owned the helicopter involved in the crash near a Huntington Beach hotel. Nixon, an aviation enthusiast with a social media following, had flown over the area multiple times before the incident.
An eyewitness, Timothy Bartlett, recounted the shock of witnessing the helicopter spiraling down, speculating that a tail rotor may have detached. Bartlett expressed relief that everyone survived the crash.
Initially, reports indicated three injuries from the helicopter crash, but the number was later updated to five victims. Three individuals on the ground and two from the helicopter were injured and promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
A statement posted on Facebook extended prayers to those affected by the incident and announced plans to proceed with an event the following day, pending any changes. Additionally, a police statement on Facebook confirmed the ongoing investigation into the helicopter crash in Huntington Beach.
The California Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred around 2:09pm local time near the Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast event site, close to the Waterfront Beach Resort. Two occupants of the helicopter escaped the crash, while three pedestrians sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
Further details on the victims’ conditions and the crash’s cause were not immediately disclosed, as per KTLA5 reports.