Videos show California helicopter crash that sent 5 to the hospital
Share and Follow


LOS ANGELES (KTLA) Five people were hospitalized after a helicopter crashed along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, California, on Saturday afternoon.

The crash was reported around 2:09 p.m. near the Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast event site, in front of the Waterfront Beach Resort, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Footage obtained by affiliate KTLA, seen in the video player below, shows the helicopter descending toward the street as spectators look on, when it suddenly drops and crashes near the roadway.

Another video shared with KTLA showed onlookers watching the helicopter seemingly fly with ease overhead before it began to rotate wildly, sending those on the ground running.

You can see that clip below:

Witnesses said they saw the rotor fly off the tail moments before the helicopter crashed onto several palm trees and a bridge walkway in front of the hotel.

According to a Huntington Beach police spokesperson, two people were on board the helicopter and both made it out, while three people in the street were injured. All five were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Kurt Johnston was standing just feet from the crash.

“It was literally right over my head,” he told KTLA’s Sara Welch. “It’s like something in a nightmare. There was an old man, about 85, who had a cut in the back of his head. He was trying to get a rag so he could stop the bleeding.”

“[Emergency crews] took the pilot out and they gave a thumbs up, so I think he’s in okay shape,” said witness Darrell Hallett.

“The police were telling us to move because they thought it was going to explode,” said Greyson Hallett.

Video from the scene also showed a child being pulled from the wreckage. No further details, including the victims’ conditions or the cause of the crash, were released.

The aircraft is a rare Bell 222, made famous by the 1980s TV show, “Airwolf.”

“The helicopter is associated with the Cars and Copters event scheduled for tomorrow,” city officials said in a statement. “The FAA and NTSB have been notified, and the investigation remains ongoing.”

Events for Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast will continue as scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 12.

Luis Zuniga, Sofia Pop Perez and Tracy Mejia contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
ByHeart powdered infant formula recalled after 2 Illinois babies have botulism symptoms, Illinois Department of Public Health says

Illinois Department of Public Health Announces Recall of ByHeart Powdered Infant Formula Following Botulism Symptoms in Two Infants

In a concerning development out of Chicago, the Illinois Department of Public…
A person walks toward the entrance of the Capital Area Food Bank, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Washington’s Economy Faces New Setback Amid Government Shutdown Crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the longest government shutdown in history unfolds alongside…
North Carolina police officer killed in line of duty during emergency room shooting incident

North Carolina Police Officer Fatally Shot in Line of Duty During Emergency Room Incident

A North Carolina police officer was fatally shot on Saturday morning within…
At Turning Point USA event, Vice President JD Vance says he hopes his Hindu wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, converts to Christianity

JD Vance’s Bold Wish: Conversion Hopes for His Hindu Wife at Turning Point USA Event

WASHINGTON — In a recent address to a large college audience, Vice…
Seattle mayor election results 2025

Cleveland Mayoral Race 2025: Unveiling Election Results and Future City Leadership

Cleveland voters are gearing up for a significant decision as they prepare…
Kim Kardashian FINALLY reveals if she passed the bar exam

Kim Kardashian Triumphs: Reality Star Passes Bar Exam, Paving Way for Legal Career

Kim Kardashian has finally put an end to the anticipation surrounding her…
Hochul remains hopeful Tisch will remain NYPD commissioner

Governor Hochul Optimistic About Keeping Tisch as NYPD Commissioner: What it Means for New York’s Future

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her confidence on Saturday that Jessica Tisch will…
US airlines cancel more than 2,500 weekend flights largely due to government shutdown

Government Shutdown Grounds Over 2,500 US Flights: Weekend Travel Chaos Unfolds

By Saturday evening, U.S. airlines had already called off more than 2,500…