Bell 222SP Helicopter Suffers Catastrophic Rotor Failure, Crashes in Huntington Beach, California

A Bell 222SP helicopter experienced a catastrophic tail rotor failure during a "Cars 'N Copters" event in Huntington Beach, California, resulting in a mid-air crash that injured five people. The helicopter, made famous in the TV series "Airwolf," spun out of control and slammed into a building. FAA investigators are likely to focus on the tail rotor gearbox, pitch links, and drive-shaft integrity, as well as the hydraulic and control linkage systems.

A Bell 222SP helicopter experienced a catastrophic tail rotor failure during a "Cars 'N Copters" event in Huntington Beach, California, resulting in a mid-air crash that injured five people. The helicopter, made famous in the TV series "Airwolf," spun out of control and slammed into a building. The crash occurred around 2 PM near Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street, California, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The helicopter, owned by aviation influencer Eric Nixon, was associated with the event. Two people were inside the chopper when it went down, and both were pulled out safely. Three bystanders on the ground were also injured. All injured parties were rushed to the hospital shortly after the crash Dramatic video of helicopter crash near California’s Huntington beach surfaces; five injured^[1].

Witnesses reported that the helicopter lost control when its rear rotor failed, causing it to spin before crashing into a line of trees that likely saved those inside. The tail of the helicopter was completely wrecked, and debris was scattered across the ground. One of the trees appeared to have fallen on the aircraft after it hit Dramatic video of helicopter crash near California’s Huntington beach surfaces; five injured^[1].

FAA investigators are likely to focus on the tail rotor gearbox, pitch links, and drive-shaft integrity, as well as the hydraulic and control linkage systems. The helicopter is a 1980 Bell 222 (tail number N222EX), a twin-engine model that can seat up to ten people and fly at speeds of about 170 mph. The chopper had just under 1,900 total flight hours and was fitted with Garmin navigation and dual controls Dramatic video of helicopter crash near California’s Huntington beach surfaces; five injured^[1].

The crash has led to the Pacific Coast Highway being sealed between Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear the area. The incident has been upgraded to a multi-casualty incident by HB Fire, and multiple people have been injured Dramatic video of helicopter crash near California’s Huntington beach surfaces; five injured^[1].