Huntington Beach, CA — October 12, 2025 — A daredevil helicopter pilot with a reputation for daring stunts and low-altitude flights has been identified as the owner of the chopper that crashed into a beachfront hotel in Huntington Beach, California, injuring multiple people.
🚁 Crash Details & Aftermath
On Saturday afternoon, a Bell 222SP helicopter lost control and plummeted into a hotel near the waterfront. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft was spinning erratically before impact. New York Post Five people were injured—two aboard the helicopter and three pedestrians on the ground—and were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries. New York Post Local authorities, along with the FAA and NTSB, have launched an investigation into the incident.
🧭 Pilot & Owner Identified: Eric Nixon
The helicopter’s owner has been named as Eric Nixon, a well-known aviation enthusiast who frequently posts daring aerial stunts on social media. New York Post+1 He has gained fame for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in helicopters, performing risky maneuvers close to the ground. www.abdpost.com Amerika’dan Haberler
It is not yet confirmed whether Nixon himself was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. New York Post+1 The helicopter, tail number N222E, has also been featured in promotional materials for aviation events and social media showcases. New York Post
Preliminary witness statements suggest a tail rotor failure may have triggered the loss of control. New York Post+1 Some speculate that a bird strike or mechanical malfunction contributed to the incident. New York Post The helicopter struck several palm trees which served to slow its descent before it hit the structure. New York Post
🌐 Reactions & Wider Impact
News of the crash has rapidly circulated on social media, with aviation fans and critics alike debating the risks of stunt flying in populated areas. Some are calling for stricter safety oversight of private aerial exhibitions.
In the wake of the accident, questions are being raised about the balance between spectacle and safety, especially when events occur near crowded urban or tourist zones.
