Aircraft Spins Out of Control into Palm Trees at Frequented California Beach

A chopper hovering over a well-attended southern California beach unexpectedly began spiraling out of control, finally losing altitude and crashing into a cluster of palm groves as beachgoers observed.

Recordings posted on social media show the aircraft beginning to twirl near Huntington Beach then falling near the perimeter of the beach, where it becomes wedged amidst palm trees and a steps close to the shoreline route.

Rescue Operation Details

Local firefighters said five persons were transported to a medical facility including a pair who were in the chopper and were “safely pulled from the wreckage” subsequent to the incident on the weekend.

Three people on the pavement were injured. Specifics on their injuries were not immediately available.

The reason for the accident was not yet disclosed.

Related Gathering

The department indicated the chopper was linked to an annual “Cars and Copters” charity gathering set for Sunday.