A terrifying helicopter crash in Huntington Beach, California, left five people hospitalized on Saturday afternoon after the aircraft suddenly lost control and slammed into palm trees near a beachfront hotel. The shocking incident unfolded just steps away from one of Southern California’s busiest coastal areas, drawing large crowds and an immediate emergency response.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and surreal. Around 2 p.m., the helicopter began spinning violently before plunging toward the ground, clipping a row of palm trees and crashing into a small courtyard near the Pacific Coast Highway. Debris scattered across the area as horrified onlookers watched the chopper wedge between a building and a tree.
According to Huntington Beach Fire Department, all five victims — two people on board and three pedestrians on the ground — were quickly rescued and transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not released their conditions, but early reports suggest that at least one person suffered serious injuries.
“It looked like something from a movie — it started spinning, then we heard a loud bang,” said local resident Tina Lopez, who witnessed the crash from her balcony. “People started running and screaming. It was terrifying.”
The downed helicopter was reportedly connected to the “Cars ’N Copters on the Coast” charity event scheduled for the weekend, where luxury vehicles and helicopters are typically displayed for fundraising and community outreach. Organizers said they were “deeply saddened” by the crash and are fully cooperating with authorities.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to lose control. Early indications point to possible mechanical failure, but officials have not ruled out pilot error or environmental factors.
Following the crash, Pacific Coast Highway was closed between Beach Boulevard and Huntington Street as firefighters secured the area and investigators examined the wreckage. Traffic was rerouted for several hours, causing significant delays along the coastal road.
Social media videos posted shortly after the crash captured the helicopter’s final moments — spinning erratically before slamming into the trees — as bystanders screamed in shock. Several witnesses reported hearing “odd mechanical noises” seconds before impact.
Local officials praised first responders for their swift action, noting that the outcome could have been far worse given the crowded area and nearby hotels.
The incident has left the Huntington Beach community shaken, with many residents expressing gratitude that no fatalities were reported. As investigations continue, aviation experts are working to uncover the exact cause of this frightening midair disaster.
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