5 injured after shocking helicopter crash in Huntington Beach | WATCH

A dramatic helicopter crash unfolded in the heart of Huntington Beach on Saturday afternoon, October 11, 2025, injuring five people and drawing a swift response from local emergency services. The incident occurred near the bustling intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street, adjacent to the Waterfront Beach Resort, as preparations were underway for the annual "Cars n Copters" expo.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the small helicopter, believed to be a Robinson R44, spiral uncontrollably before slamming into a row of palm trees and becoming lodged between a building and the foliage. Video footage captured the aircraft spinning wildly, possibly due to a mechanical failure in the tail rotor, before it came to rest upside down on an elevated staircase.

Debris from the crash scattered across the area, prompting immediate road closures and traffic backups along the iconic coastal route.

According to Huntington Beach Police and Fire Department officials, the two occupants aboard the helicopter were safely extricated from the wreckage. While their exact conditions have not been disclosed, sources indicate they were ambulatory at the scene, suggesting injuries that were not immediately life-threatening.

On the ground, three bystanders sustained injuries, including a child who was struck by flying shrapnel while at the nearby Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa. All five individuals were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment, with no fatalities reported.

"This could have been much worse," said one local resident and Blackhawk pilot who witnessed the event. "The palm tree and staircase likely cushioned the impact. If it had hit the ground directly, the outcome might have been tragic."

The crash happened amid heightened activity for the "Cars n Copters" event, which features displays of high-end automobiles and aircraft. Organizers had been showcasing vehicles and helicopters earlier in the day, drawing crowds to the oceanfront area. Authorities have not confirmed if the helicopter was part of the event, but the timing has raised questions about safety protocols during such gatherings.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause. Preliminary reports suggest no weather-related factors, as conditions were clear. Updates are expected as officials review flight data and interview witnesses.

Huntington Beach, known for its vibrant beach culture and events, has seen rare aviation incidents in the past.

Local officials urged the public to avoid the area while cleanup and investigations continue. The "Cars n Copters" event proceeded as planned on Sunday, with enhanced safety measures in place.