Helicopter Crash Injures Five in Huntington Beach During Air Show Event

A helicopter crashed in Huntington Beach, California yesterday, injuring five people including the pilot, during preparations for the annual Cars ’n Copters show.

The crash occurred Saturday afternoon near a waterfront hotel, with the Bell 222 helicopter – a model famously featured in the 1980s television series Airwolf – impacting palm trees and a pedestrian bridge. Videos circulating online show the helicopter spinning before impact, with debris scattering near spectators. Two people were extracted from the aircraft, and three bystanders, including a child, sustained injuries.

Pilot Eric Nixon, who also owns the helicopter, was reportedly flying the aircraft for a “landing party” event ahead of the main show. According to Nixon’s father-in-law, Jerry Miller, Nixon is hospitalized with broken ribs, crushed vertebrae, and bruises. A GoFundMe account, though unverified, indicates the injured child is suffering from a collapsed lung and brain bleed. Witness Kurt Johnston described the scene as “like something in a nightmare.” Another pilot, Esteban Jimenez, told NBC 4 that Nixon “chose to sacrifice the helicopter…therefore avoiding cars and people that were there.”

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will investigate the incident. Despite the crash, organizers proceeded with the Cars ’n Copters show today, stating they were “sending our prayers out to all involved.” This incident raises questions about safety protocols at air show events and the potential risks associated with low-altitude maneuvers.

All five injured individuals remain hospitalized, and officials have stated further information will be released as it becomes available.