October 13, 2025

Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach Injures Five

News Summary

A helicopter crash during the ‘Cars N Copters’ event in Huntington Beach left five individuals injured, including a young boy. Eyewitness accounts describe the helicopter spinning out of control before crashing onto the beachfront. While the pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries, bystanders acted quickly to rescue those trapped under the wreckage. The FAA and NTSB have initiated investigations into the incident, while the event organizers vowed to continue the festivities in support of the community.

Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach Leaves Five Injured, Including Child, During Air Show Event

Huntington Beach, California, is recovering from a shocking incident that unfolded during the much-anticipated “Cars N Copters” event. On Saturday, around 2 p.m., a helicopter, specifically a Bell 222, piloted by thrill-seeker Eric Nixon, crashed dramatically, causing chaos and concern among onlookers.

Eyewitness accounts reported that the helicopter was spinning out of control before it made a crash landing onto the beachfront steps and palm trees. Bystanders captured video footage, and the chaos that ensued was both heartbreaking and frantic as people rushed to help those affected.

Trapped and Rescued

One of the most alarming parts of this incident involved a young boy named Oliver Holland, who found himself trapped beneath the wreckage. With the bravery of nearby bystanders, he was rescued and transported to a hospital, where he is currently recovering. However, the injuries he sustained were serious, including a collapsed lung and a brain bleed, which necessitated surgery.

In total, five individuals were hospitalized due to the crash, with injuries affecting not just the pilot and his passenger but also three pedestrians who were unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. While the exact conditions of the injured remain unclear, a GoFundMe page set up by Oliver’s family has reported significant support, raising over $30,000 by Sunday evening to aid with medical expenses.

Critical Moments and Investigations

Witnesses on the scene shared that they noticed the helicopter’s tail rotor had detached moments before the crash, leading to a catastrophic loss of control by the pilot. Eric Nixon and his passenger managed to escape serious harm, though reports indicate Nixon suffered broken ribs and a crushed vertebra. Fortunately, both were treated for their injuries and are said to be recovering.

As the dust settles from this harrowing event, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations. A preliminary report regarding the crash is expected within 30 days, which will hopefully provide further insight into the unfortunate accident.

Event Continues Amidst Adversity

In the aftermath of the crash, police took precautions by closing off sections of Pacific Coast Highway between Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard for several hours to ensure public safety and facilitate the investigation.

Despite the incident and the ensuing injuries, event organizers announced that the “Cars N Copters” event would continue as planned on Sunday, reaffirming their commitment to celebrate aviation and automotive history while sending heartfelt prayers to everyone impacted by this occurrence.

As Huntington Beach comes to terms with this unfortunate accident, our thoughts remain with those injured and their families. The community has shown incredible bravery and support in the face of tragedy, and as more details emerge, we hope for full recoveries and answers that will prevent such incidents in the future.

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Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

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