A helicopter went down Saturday in a Huntington Beach parking lot near Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard, leaving five people hospitalized after authorities responded to reports of a dramatic midair spiral and crash.
Fire officials said two occupants were rescued from the wreckage, while three pedestrians on the ground sustained injuries when the aircraft struck the lot. All five were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The incident, captured on video, showed the chopper spinning out of control as it descended before coming to rest partly lodged between palm trees and the parking area. The helicopter was tied to the upcoming “Cars ’N Copters on the Coast” event.
Local and federal investigators, including the FAA and NTSB, have been notified and are examining the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.