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Five Injured After Helicopter Crashes by Huntington Beach Pedestrian Bridge

Investigators are examining the 1980 Bell 222 linked to a Cars 'N Copters showcase.

Overview

  • The helicopter went down just after 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 near Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Twin Dolphins Drive, police and fire officials said.
  • Two people were pulled from the aircraft and three pedestrians were hurt, with multiple outlets reporting that a child was among the injured; all were hospitalized with conditions not yet disclosed.
  • Videos show the aircraft spiraling before striking palm trees and a pedestrian-bridge stairway, leaving the fuselage wedged and the tail section separated.
  • The FAA and NTSB have been notified and an investigation is underway, and sections of PCH were closed for hours as crews secured debris and preserved evidence.
  • Media reports identify the helicopter as N222EX owned by aviation influencer Eric Nixon, with a family member telling the Orange County Register he was piloting and injured; officials have not confirmed a cause.