Authorities say the tail rotor ejected as the helicopter lost control
October 11, 2025 | Huntington Beach, CA
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
A boy suffered serious injuries after a helicopter crashed during an event in Huntington Beach, California. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
What Happened in the Helicopter Crash?
Oliver Holland of Huntington Beach suffered serious injuries after a helicopter spun out of control and crashed on Pacific Coast Highway.
Oliver Holland was injured when a helicopter lost control and crashed at the Cars N Copters event.
- Date: Oct. 11, 2025.
- Location: 21000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, California.
- Victim: Oliver Holland, a boy who suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleed.
- Pilot: Eric Nixon, operating a Bell 222 helicopter.
- Details: The helicopter spun out of control around 2 p.m., the tail rotor ejected, leading to a crash in a beach. parking lot. Holland was trapped under the wreckage and airlifted to the hospital.
- Investigation: NTSB is investigating, with videos indicating possible mechanical failure.
- Support: A GoFundMe has been set up to help with medical expenses.
Why Do Helicopter Crashes Happen?
Helicopter accidents can result from various factors, including pilot error, mechanical failures, poor maintenance, and adverse weather conditions, according to the NTSB.
Helicopters have a higher risk of crashing compared to airplanes.
Helicopter Accident Statistics
Metric |
Helicopters |
Source |
|---|
Accident Rate per 100,000 Flight Hours (FY 2025 up to July) |
2.80 |
USHST/FAA |
Fatal Accident Rate per 100,000 Flight Hours (FY 2025 up to July) |
0.68 |
USHST/FAA |
Comparison to Previous Year Accident Rate |
Approximately 17 percent lower |
USHST/FAA |
These statistics underscore the importance of rigorous safety protocols in rotorcraft operations.
What Are the Potential Legal Implications in Helicopter Crash Cases?
Victims in helicopter crashes may have options to seek compensation for injuries, depending on circumstances such as negligence.
Expert Insights
Newsline features insights from national legal analysts to provide general context on accident types.
“Helicopter crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, it is imperative to conduct a thorough investigation to protect victims’ rights, including working with expert witnesses and coordinating with agencies like the NTSB.”
- Key Takeaway: Thorough investigations help identify causes and support victims.
- Key Takeaway: Legal advocacy can guide families through recovery processes.
“Although no amount of money can make up for a devastating injury, it is important that victims are aware of their rights in cases such as this,” added Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Key Takeaway: Potential claims may cover medical expenses, pain, and emotional trauma.
- Key Takeaway: Consulting professionals ensures informed decisions without substituting for personalized legal advice.
About Newsline
As a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., Newsline is committed to delivering accurate and timely news with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous editorial standards include a Corrections Policy with a 24-hour review guarantee for submissions.
If you spot an error, please use our Corrections Form.
For more on our standards, see our Editorial Process, Editorial Policy, and Ethics and Advertising.
Advertise with Newsline to reach a diverse audience in sectors like insurance and automotive. Visit https://www.newsline.com/contact for details.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).