News Summary
A helicopter crash during the Cars ‘N Copters event in Huntington Beach sent five people to the hospital, including a child. Witnesses saw the helicopter spiral out of control before crashing near a pedestrian bridge. Authorities launched an investigation, and the event is set to continue despite the tragic incident. Community members and emergency services have shown incredible bravery in aiding the victims as the aftermath unfolds.
Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach Sends Five to Hospital During Cars ‘N Copters Event
Huntington Beach was rocked by a dramatic incident on Saturday afternoon, October 11, 2025, when a helicopter went down in a crowded area during the popular “Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast” event. The crash, which took place around 2 p.m. local time near the Hyatt Regency, caused quite a commotion and sent a sense of panic through attendees.
The Crash
Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter began to spiral out of control shortly before it crashed. Many onlookers whipped out their smartphones to capture the harrowing moments as the aircraft plummeted toward a pedestrian bridge along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Five individuals were rushed to the hospital following the crash. This included two occupants of the helicopter and three pedestrians who unfortunately found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Among the injured was a child, and while details surrounding the victims’ conditions remain unclear, the news has left the community shaken.
Details of the Incident
As the helicopter fell, its tail rotor broke off, contributing to the chaos. Parts of the aircraft became lodged in trees and the outdoor stairway of the pedestrian bridge, causing additional hazards. Eyewitness accounts revealed that some bystanders heard strange noises emitting from the helicopter moments before it lost control. Various bits of debris were seen flying off the aircraft, escalating the tension as the shocking scene unfolded.
Injuries and Emergencies
The pilot of the helicopter, Eric Nixon, was identified as the son-in-law of a local resident. Reports indicate Nixon suffered multiple injuries, including broken ribs, crushed vertebrae, and extensive bruising. Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, rushing the injured to local hospitals while also ensuring the safety of others in the vicinity.
Authorities promptly closed a section of the Pacific Coast Highway between Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard as investigations began. Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) teams were also called to ensure no dangerous materials leaked from the crashing aircraft.
Investigation and Response
Local officials have confirmed that both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are involved in investigating this unsettling incident. The helicopter was identified as a Bell 222, manufactured in 1980, and was part of the thrilling Cars ‘N Copters event.
The weather at the time of the crash was clear, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 75 degrees and light winds blowing at just 5 to 10 mph.
Event Continuation
Despite the traumatic event that unfolded, city officials decided the show must go on. They confirmed that the Cars ‘N Copters event is scheduled to continue on Sunday, October 12. Video footage has surfaced capturing the chaos that followed the crash, showcasing bystanders rushing to aid those who were hurt.
What Comes Next
With the investigation still ongoing, a preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within the next 30 days. The incident has undoubtedly raised concerns within the community and beyond about the safety of aerial displays at public events.
As Huntington Beach grapples with the aftermath of this incident, our thoughts are with all those impacted. The local emergency services and community members have shown commendable bravery, assisting in the wake of such unexpected turmoil. Stay tuned as more details continue to unfold surrounding the incident.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash
- Wikipedia: Helicopter Accidents
- KTLA: 3 Hospitalized After Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash
- Fox News: Helicopter Crash in Southern California
- Google News: Helicopter Crash California
- ABC7: Investigation Continues into Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Helicopter Crash
- The Guardian: Helicopter Spins Out of Control
- Google Scholar: Helicopter Accident Investigation
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
