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Dramatic footage of helicopter falling from the sky in Huntington Beach — and social media catches it all
A helicopter associated with a fundraiser lost control at a beach parking lot in Huntington Beach between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard at around 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon, according to authorities.
In social media footage, the helicopter was seen in the air spiraling out of control air before falling into a clutch of palm trees, suspended just above the ground.
Five people were take to the hospital for treatment, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
"The helicopter involved is associated with the Cars and Copters event scheduled for tomorrow," authorities said.
The event bills itself as the premiere cars and copters event, featuring supercars, hypercars, and luxury and exotic vehicles and helicopters. The fundraiser is held to support the Huntington Beach Police Department and Community Foundation.
It was unclear what caused the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board "have been notified, and the investigation remains ongoing," according to authorities.