Five individuals sustained injuries following a helicopter accident near a California beach where sunbathers were present just a few meters away from the incident. The Huntington Beach Police received reports of a helicopter crash in the beach parking lot between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard around 2:00 pm local time.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been informed, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. A member of the public captured the harrowing moment when the helicopter descended from the sky and collided with trees.
The pilot, identified as Eric Nixon, known for his daring aerial feats, owned the helicopter that crashed into a Huntington Beach hotel. Nixon, an aviation enthusiast with a social media following, had previously flown over the Huntington Beach area on multiple occasions.
Eyewitness Timothy Bartlett recounted seeing the helicopter spiral downward. He expressed shock at the sight, realizing that a crash was imminent due to the helicopter’s abnormal behavior. Bartlett observed people rushing towards the crash site, despite efforts by officers to keep them away, as reported by ABC.
Bartlett speculated that a tail rotor detached from the helicopter, causing the crash. Concerned for everyone’s safety, he hoped that all involved were unharmed. Initially, reports indicated three individuals were injured, but the number was later updated to five as more information became available.
Three people on the ground sustained injuries during the crash, while two occupants from the helicopter were also hurt. All five individuals were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention. Statements shared on social media platforms expressed condolences for those affected by the incident and confirmed plans for upcoming events in the area.
The crash, associated with the Cars and Copters event scheduled for the following day, prompted a swift response from emergency crews at the scene. The FAA and NTSB are actively involved in the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the helicopter accident. Initial dispatch reports indicated the crash occurred near the Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast event location, close to the Waterfront Beach Resort.
According to a spokesperson from the Huntington Beach Police Department, both occupants on board the helicopter survived the crash. Three individuals on the ground sustained injuries and were transported to a medical facility. Further details regarding the victims’ conditions and the crash cause are pending release, according to KTLA5 reports.