Newly released details from federal investigators and an update from the family of 11-year-old Oliver Holland are shedding light on the helicopter crash in Huntington Beach last month that left five people injured.
The National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the helicopter went down after a small control part in its tail came loose during landing. According to a preliminary report, the tail rotor pitch link — a connecting rod that links the helicopter’s controls to the tail rotor blades — somehow disconnected, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control.
Investigators also found that two small metal arms that attach the tail rotor blades and help change the helicopter’s direction had fractured in half. The NTSB said its investigation remains ongoing.
New video shared with KTLA shows a small piece of the helicopter’s tail flying off seconds before it crashed near the Waterfront Beach Resort along Pacific Coast Highway on Oct. 11. The crash injured five people, including Oliver, who was spending the afternoon at the beach with his family.
Oliver’s sister, Madeline, previously said he suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleed after being struck by the falling aircraft. In a GoFundMe update shared by the family this week, they said Oliver has made “incredible progress” since the crash.
“He is now awake and breathing on his own, no longer needing a ventilator,” the update reads. “Oliver recognizes his family, is able to communicate with us, and has even begun to move parts of his body. These are huge milestones that fill us with hope and relief.”
The family said doctors are “very encouraged” by his progress and believe he’s on a strong path toward recovery.
“While there’s still a long road ahead, we’re beyond grateful for how far he’s come,” the family added. “Your kindness, encouragement, and support have given our family so much strength during this time.”
The helicopter involved in the crash was a Bell 222, the same model featured in the 1980s TV series Airwolf. City officials said it was affiliated with the Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast event, which took place the following day.
According to the Orange County Register, Eric Nixon, a pilot from Redlands, was operating the helicopter when it crashed. His father-in-law told the outlet Nixon suffered broken ribs and crushed vertebrae but is expected to recover.
The FAA and NTSB continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
The post New details revealed in California helicopter crash that injured 5 people, including 11-year-old appeared first on KTLA.
