HUNTINGTON BEACH – Authorities removed the wreckage of a helicopter from the steps of a pedestrian bridge in Huntington Beach on Monday, Oct. 13th. The incident sent five people to the hospital, including a child.

The National Transportation Safety Board has begun an investigation that could take 2-years to complete. The helicopter was put onto a flat-bed trailer and moved to a secure location.

The crash injured two occupants in the helicopter and three on the ground, including an eight-year-old child, according to a GoFundMe page asking for help with medical costs.

The helicopter was piloted by Eric Nixon, who is described by the Orange County Register as an aviation influencer known for doing daring maneuvers.

Video showed that the tail rotor was not operating sending the helicopter spinning to the ground.

Story Date: October 16, 2025