HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA (October 13, 2025) —
A terrifying scene unfolded along the coast of Huntington Beach when a helicopter suddenly spiraled out of control and crashed near a crowded beachside area on Saturday afternoon. The dramatic moment, captured in multiple viral videos, shows the chopper spinning wildly before slamming into a row of palm trees and nearby structures — sending beachgoers running for safety.
The Crash Caught on Camera
Videos shared across social media platforms show the helicopter hovering briefly before losing stability, spinning uncontrollably, and plunging toward the ground. Witnesses can be heard screaming as the aircraft descends and collides with the edge of the beach near the Pacific Coast Highway. The helicopter ended up wedged between a palm tree and a nearby hotel building, its rotor blades shattered and smoke rising from the wreckage.
“It was like watching a movie scene,” said one bystander who was recording at the time. “People just froze — and then ran as it came down.”
Five People Hospitalized, Including a Child
According to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, five people were injured in the crash — two on board the helicopter and three pedestrians caught in the impact zone. Among them was a young child who was reportedly trapped beneath a piece of the wreckage.
Heroic bystanders rushed to help, lifting debris off the child until emergency responders arrived. The child suffered serious injuries, including a collapsed lung and head trauma, and was rushed to a nearby trauma center.
The helicopter’s pilot has been identified as Eric Nixon, a well-known stunt pilot and social media personality famous for his aerial performances. Nixon and his passenger were rescued from the cockpit and taken to the hospital with multiple fractures and bruises. His family confirmed he sustained broken ribs and spinal injuries but is expected to recover.
Linked to Public Event
Officials said the aircraft was associated with the upcoming “Cars ’N Copters on the Coast” event — an annual gathering that showcases luxury cars and helicopters. The crash occurred just a day before the event was scheduled to begin, leading organizers to coordinate closely with authorities for safety reviews.
Investigations Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the accident. Early eyewitness accounts suggest the helicopter may have experienced a tail rotor failure or another mechanical malfunction midair, though officials have not yet confirmed any technical findings.
Investigators were seen examining debris on the beach late into the evening, while crews worked to remove the wrecked aircraft. Authorities have urged the public not to spread speculation until the official report is released.
Public Shock and Safety Concerns
The video of the crash has amassed millions of views online, sparking widespread concern over safety standards at public events featuring aircraft demonstrations. Social media users have expressed both awe and outrage — with many praising the bystanders’ quick response that likely saved lives.
Local officials have called for a temporary review of aerial activity over populated coastal areas, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight of stunt flights near public gatherings.
A Community Shaken
As Huntington Beach residents continue to process the shocking event, makeshift memorials and messages of support for the victims have begun appearing near the crash site. The community remains hopeful for the recovery of the injured, especially the young child whose rescue has become a symbol of courage and humanity amid tragedy.
- IndiGo Flight Chaos Today: Why Flights Are Being Cancelled and What Passengers Should Know
- Meesho IPO on Fire! Early Subscription Soars as GMP Hits 40%+
- Cloudflare Outage Triggers Global Internet Blackout, Crippling X, ChatGPT, and Spotify
- Red Fort Blast in Delhi: 8 Dead, Several Injured as Explosion Rocks Historic Lal Quila Area
- ChatGPT Atlas Is Here: OpenAI’s New AI Browser That Could Replace Google Search