Panic erupted at Huntington Beach on Saturday when a helicopter spiraled out of control and crashed into palm trees near the Pacific Coast Highway, shocking crowds gathered along the shoreline. The aircraft, part of a weekend fundraising event, suddenly began spinning midair before slamming into the trees and a nearby staircase. Five people were taken to the hospital, including two passengers rescued from the wreckage. Authorities have yet to determine what caused the dramatic crash.
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Chaos Over Huntington Beach
Videos captured by bystanders show the helicopter spinning uncontrollably above the beach before plunging toward the ground. Witnesses can be heard shouting as the aircraft descended rapidly, striking a line of palm trees and stopping just short of the packed sand. The scene unfolded in full view of beachgoers enjoying the warm afternoon, many of whom rushed toward the crash site before emergency crews arrived.
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Fire Department Confirms Injuries
The Huntington Beach Fire Department said five people were hospitalized following the crash, including both individuals on board. Firefighters reported that the passengers were “safely pulled from the wreckage” after the helicopter became wedged between palm trees and a staircase. Three others on the street also sustained injuries, though their conditions were not immediately disclosed.
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Eyewitness Accounts and Panic
Bystanders described moments of confusion and fear as the helicopter spun downward. “It was spinning so fast you could barely tell which direction it was coming from,” one witness said. Social media videos posted shortly after the incident show smoke rising from the impact site and crowds gathered nearby as first responders worked to clear debris.
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Cause Still Under Investigation
Officials have not yet released the cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to examine weather conditions, flight logs, and mechanical issues as potential factors. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will likely join the local investigation to determine what led to the aircraft’s sudden loss of control.
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Aircraft Linked to Charity Event
Authorities confirmed that the helicopter was affiliated with the “Cars N Copters” event, an annual charity fundraiser scheduled for Sunday. The event, which showcases luxury cars and helicopters, is a popular attraction in the Huntington Beach area. Organizers have not announced whether the fundraiser will proceed following the crash.
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Emergency Response Praised
The rapid response from local firefighters and rescue teams was credited with preventing further injuries. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, pulling survivors from the damaged aircraft and securing the area. The Huntington Beach Police and Fire Departments closed surrounding roads as a precaution while assessing the crash site for fuel leaks and structural hazards.
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Scene Draws Public Attention
Images of the crash quickly spread across social media, showing the helicopter’s wreckage entangled in palm trees under a clear California sky. The dramatic footage has drawn national attention, with many expressing shock at how close the aircraft came to hitting nearby pedestrians and beach structures.