A twin-engine helicopter spiraled out of control and crashed in front of a luxury beachfront resort in Huntington Beach over the weekend, injuring five people including an 8-year-old boy who suffered critical injuries. The incident has sparked questions about the pilot's social media presence showcasing risky low-altitude maneuvers in the area.
The Bell 222 helicopter, built in 1980, went down Saturday near the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort on Pacific Coast Highway after departing from Redlands Municipal Airport. The aircraft crashed into trees at the resort property, injuring the pilot, a passenger, and three people on the ground.
Young Victim Shows Signs of Recovery
The 8-year-old boy sustained severe injuries including a collapsed lung and brain bleed from the crash. His family has set up a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $94,000 as of Wednesday to cover mounting medical expenses.
"Doctors cannot say much due to it still being in the early stages but we are hopeful," wrote Madeline Ashwell, the fundraiser organizer, in a Tuesday update. The boy's condition appears "to be getting better," though he remains hospitalized. His parents have taken time away from work to stay by his side during his recovery.
Family members emphasized they are "not blaming or accusing anyone" as they focus on their son's healing process. The fundraising proceeds will help cover medical bills and support the family financially during this challenging time.
Pilot Known for Risky Aviation Stunts
The pilot has been identified as Eric Nixon, a well-known figure in the aviation community with a substantial social media following. His Instagram page, which was either deleted or set to private following the crash, featured numerous videos of daring, low-altitude helicopter maneuvers.
One particularly notable video on Nixon's page promoted a helicopter landing party for the "Cars 'n Copters on the Coast" event scheduled for Saturday in Huntington Beach. The clip showed one of his helicopters performing a dramatic flyby, narrowly swooping past the rooftop lounge of the very resort he would later crash in front of.
Nixon sustained broken ribs, crushed vertebrae, and multiple bruises in the crash, according to his father-in-law Jerry Miller. The helicopter's passenger reportedly thanked Nixon on social media "for quick actions that made sure that we both got out safely".
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a full investigation into the incident. Crews were observed Tuesday using a crane to load the wrecked helicopter onto a truck for transport to investigators who will conduct a detailed analysis of the aircraft and circumstances surrounding the crash.
The helicopter's registration with the Federal Aviation Administration was current and valid through January 2027, despite the aircraft being 45 years old at the time of the crash.
Officials have declined to release additional information about the conditions of the other injured parties, citing privacy laws. The investigation is expected to take several months as NTSB officials examine all factors that may have contributed to the crash.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety protocols during public events and the appropriateness of performing risky maneuvers in populated areas near beachfront resorts.
1. Los Angeles Times - Family of child injured in helicopter crash optimistic about recovery
2. NBC Los Angeles - Crews remove helicopter at Huntington Beach crash site
3. Orange County Register - Huntington Beach helicopter crash investigation
Sources
1. Family of child injured in helicopter crash optimistic about recovery
2. Huntington Beach Helo Crash 11 Oct 2025 - YouTube
3. Live: Crews remove helicopter at Huntington Beach crash site
4. Helicopter crash in Huntington Beach; Child hurt | FOX 11 LA
