Helicopter Crash in Southern California Beach Parking Lot Leaves Five Hospitalized

Published: October 12, 2025, 23:20 EDT

Five Hospitalized After Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach

Five people were injured after a helicopter crashed in a parking lot near Huntington Beach, California, on Saturday afternoon. The dramatic scene, captured on video by bystanders, showed the aircraft spinning out of control before slamming into the ground between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard.

Aircraft Linked to Local Event Loses Control Mid-Air

Authorities confirmed the helicopter was associated with the “Cars ’N Copters on the Coast” event scheduled for Sunday. The aircraft went down around 2 p.m. local time, prompting an immediate emergency response from Huntington Beach police and fire units.

According to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, two people inside the helicopter were rescued from the wreckage, while three pedestrians nearby sustained injuries from the crash debris. All five were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed.

Witnesses Describe the Chaotic Scene

Local resident Tim Robinson, who captured video footage of the crash, described the terrifying moment the helicopter began spinning in the air. “At first I thought it was a movie,” Robinson told Fox News Digital. “It spun around a few times and slammed into the ground. It was crazy.”

Robinson, who walks the beach almost daily, said he saw a piece detach from the helicopter mid-air before the aircraft began spiraling downward. “I heard kind of like a ping, and a part came flying off,” he said. “That’s when it started spinning out of control.”

Video shared on social media showed the helicopter wedged between a building and several palm trees as smoke rose from the wreckage.

Federal Authorities Launch Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both been notified of the crash, according to a statement released by the City of Huntington Beach. Federal investigators will examine the scene to determine what caused the aircraft’s mechanical failure or loss of control.

City officials said emergency crews quickly secured the area to prevent further injuries and assess potential hazards. “We’re grateful for the quick response of our first responders who acted immediately to rescue the occupants,” the city’s statement read.

Event Organizers and Community React

The helicopter was reportedly participating in activities linked to the upcoming “Cars ’N Copters on the Coast” charity event, which features exotic vehicles and aircraft. Organizers have not yet commented on whether Sunday’s event will proceed as planned.

Local residents expressed shock over the crash, which occurred near one of the city’s busiest beach areas. “It’s just lucky it didn’t happen when the lot was full of people,” said one witness who declined to be named.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Review

Officials said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days, while the FAA will conduct a separate mechanical analysis.

Huntington Beach authorities urged the public to stay away from the crash site as cleanup and investigation efforts continue. “We’re cooperating with federal agencies to ensure a full and transparent review of what happened,” city officials stated.