Helicopter crash in Huntington Beach injures five
Around 2 p.m. Saturday a helicopter involved with activities tied to the annual "Cars 'N Copters" event reportedly emitted a "ping," lost a part and began spiraling clockwise before slamming into palm trees and a staircase and becoming wedged in a beach parking lot between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard near Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. Two occupants were pulled from the wreckage and three bystanders were injured; all five were taken to a nearby hospital, authorities said, and the FAA and NTSB have been notified while no cause has yet been released.
Public Safety
Transportation
📌 Key Facts
- The helicopter crashed in a Huntington Beach beach parking lot between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard, near Pacific Coast Highway.
- Video and witness-shot footage show the helicopter spiraling out of control and becoming lodged between palm trees and a nearby staircase/building.
- Witness Tim Robinson and the footage describe hearing a “ping” and seeing a part fly off before the helicopter began spinning (reported as clockwise) and descending into the crash.
- Huntington Beach Fire Department said two occupants were pulled from the wreckage and three people on the street were injured; all five were taken to a nearby hospital.
- Emergency response occurred at around 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- Officials said the helicopter was associated with the annual “Cars 'N Copters on the Coast” fundraising event that was planned for Sunday.
- The City of Huntington Beach said the FAA and NTSB have been notified.
- No cause for the crash had been released as of the reports.
📰 Sources (4)
Southern California beachgoers watch helicopter spiral out of control, slam into palms
New information:
- Videos show the helicopter spiraling clockwise before descending and becoming wedged between palm trees and a staircase near Pacific Coast Highway.
- Huntington Beach Fire Department said the helicopter was associated with the annual 'Cars 'N Copters' fundraising event planned for Sunday.
- No cause of the crash was released as of the report.
Helicopter crash in Southern California leaves at least 5 people hospitalized
New information:
- HB Fire Department spokesperson confirms two occupants were pulled from the wreckage and three people on the street were injured; all five taken to a nearby hospital.
- Named eyewitness Tim Robinson describes hearing a 'ping' and seeing a part fly off the helicopter before it began spinning and crashed.
- Context that a 'Cars 'N Copters on the Coast' event was taking place in the area at the time.
- Witness-shot video shows the helicopter lodged between a building and palm trees.
Helicopter crash in Southern California beach parking lot leaves 5 hospitalized, officials say
New information:
- Precise location specified as a beach parking lot between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard.
- Response time noted as around 2 p.m. Saturday.
- City of Huntington Beach says FAA and NTSB have been notified (formal acknowledgement).
- Witness identified by name (Tim Robinson) describing a 'ping' and a part flying off before the spin and crash.