A weekend of sunshine and sleek aircraft turned tragic in Huntington Beach after a helicopter went down near a popular hotel on Saturday afternoon. According to ABC News, five people were injured when the helicopter “came down around 2 p.m. in a beach parking lot between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard,” a busy area near the sand and resort strip.
🚁 Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach, CA 🚨
Today, October 11, 2025, a 1980 Bell 222SP (N222EX) crashed in Huntington Beach, CA, around 2–3 PM PDT. The pilot survived but is injured; three people on the ground sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The helicopter, en… pic.twitter.com/NjVfWFL87X
— SLCScanner (@SLCScanner) October 11, 2025
Videos shared by bystanders captured the helicopter spinning out of control and the wreckage tangled in palm trees just steps from a hotel where guests were preparing for the evening. City officials told ABC News that two people were pulled from the helicopter while three others on the ground were also hurt. All five victims were taken to local hospitals, though their conditions have not been released.
In a city statement quoted by ABC, the aircraft was linked to the “Cars and Copters” event planned for Sunday, a gathering known for showcasing luxury vehicles and aircraft along the coast.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. As of now, officials have not said what caused the crash.
As someone who visited the area recently, this story hits close to home. My family and I stayed at the Hyatt Regency in March (here’s our review), and there was a helicopter event happening that weekend. The aircraft were taking off and landing nonstop from the same parking lot across the street from the hotel. We even walked by them on our way to the beach, watching the pilots prepare for their flights. Seeing the disturbing video of the helicopter spinning out of control was hard to process knowing exactly where it happened and how lively that area usually feels.
For travelers planning to visit Huntington Beach, some beachside parking areas near Twin Dolphins Drive remain closed while cleanup and investigations continue. Local hotels and businesses nearby are open, though some report heavier-than-usual traffic as crews secure the scene.
The city, known for its surf culture and oceanfront events, has asked visitors to stay clear of the affected area until further notice.
