News Summary
A helicopter crash in Huntington Beach sent five individuals to the hospital, including an eight-year-old child with serious injuries. The Bell 222 helicopter malfunctioned shortly after takeoff, leading to a rapid descent and crash near a pedestrian bridge. Two of the injured were aboard the helicopter, while three were on the ground. Despite the incident, the anticipated ‘Cars ‘N Copters’ event continued as planned. Investigations by aviation authorities are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash Sends Five to Hospital
This past Saturday, the serene skies of Huntington Beach were disrupted by a shocking incident when a 1980 Bell 222 helicopter crash-landed near a pedestrian bridge. The crash occurred on October 12, 2025, around 2 p.m., just before the kickoff of the much-anticipated “Cars ‘N Copters” event.
Injuries Reported
The unexpectedly turbulent turn of events sent five individuals to the hospital, including an eight-year-old child who sustained serious injuries. Of those affected, two were aboard the helicopter while three were on the ground when the mishap occurred. Witness reports describe a chaotic scene that looked as though it had been pulled from the pages of a horror story. The child is currently reported to be suffering from a collapsed lung and a brain bleed, prompting a GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping cover the medical expenses for the affected parties.
The Incident Unfolds
At the helm of the helicopter was Eric Nixon, who is known as an aviation influencer and was preparing to perform aerial maneuvers ahead of the “Cars ‘N Copters” event. The flight had taken off just 40 minutes prior, and it seems that disaster struck due to a malfunction with the rear tail rotor. Eyewitness accounts detail how the tail rotor began to slow down before the helicopter entered a fatal spin, descending rapidly from approximately 100 feet.
Within moments, the helicopter spiraled down towards the ground in a scene that some bystanders described as terrifyingly surreal. Rescue efforts began immediately, with bystanders coming together to help extricate the injured child from the wreckage beneath the aircraft.
Injuries of Pilot and Passenger
As for Nixon, he is recovering from serious injuries himself, which include broken ribs, crushed vertebrae, and multiple bruises. A passenger accompanying him has reported needing surgical intervention, but she expressed gratitude for Nixon’s quick actions during the harrowing crash, emphasizing how important those moments were for everyone involved.
Event Goes On
Interestingly enough, despite the harrowing incident, the “Cars ‘N Copters” event proceeded as planned. Attendees and participants were primarily unaware of the disaster that had just unraveled nearby. The helicopter wreckage was removed from the site on October 13, a full two days after the crash, and was taken away on a flatbed trailer for further investigation.
Investigations Underway
The aviation authorities, specifically the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are currently looking into the crash. However, due to a government shutdown, immediate comments from the NTSB were unavailable as the investigation takes shape.
Public Reaction
The incident has left the community in shock and grieving for those affected by this unfortunate event. Eyewitnesses continue to process what they witnessed, expressing disbelief over the chaos that unfolded in a place usually filled with laughter and fun.
Conclusion
As Huntington Beach wrestles with the aftershocks of the helicopter crash, the community remains hopeful for the speedy recovery of all those injured. The tale of this fateful day will surely linger in the minds of many. The investigation into the cause of the crash may take time, but answers will be sought as people come together to support the injured and their families during this challenging time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash Shakes Community
Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach Injures Five
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- Los Angeles Times: Five Hospitalized After Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach
- Google Search: Helicopter Crash Huntington Beach
- ABC7: Mangled Helicopter Removed Days After Crash in Huntington Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Helicopter
- KTLA: Tail Rotor Failure Likely Caused Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash
- Google News: Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash
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.
