Expert believes tail rotor malfunction led to Huntington Beach helicopter crash

An investigation is ongoing regarding the helicopter crash in Huntington Beach during the "Cars 'N Copters" event on Saturday, which left five individuals injured. A former helicopter pilot, Tim Lynn, who reviewed footage of the crash, suggested that the issue likely stemmed from the helicopter's tail rotor malfunction. According to Lynn, the helicopter appeared to experience control problems as it approached a parking lot, with the nose turning to the right. This led to a situation where the pilot seemed unable to control the tail rotor, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control and crash. Despite the pilot’s efforts to maintain control, the helicopter ultimately collided with palm trees and a stairway. The injuries sustained by the individuals involved in the crash, including a child trapped under the wreckage, have not yet been disclosed. National Transportation Safety Board investigators are on site to determine the cause of the incident, as the wreckage of the helicopter remained at the scene as of Monday afternoon. Lynn, who retired in 2020, praised the pilot's efforts to keep the helicopter upright during the descent, despite the challenging circumstances.