The pilot whose helicopter spun out of control and crashed near a Huntington Beach pedestrian bridge on a busy Saturday afternoon has been described as an aviation influencer famous for his daring maneuvers.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, and a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss said Sunday.

Videos circulating online showed a potential problem with the tail rotor, which appeared to be ejected as the helicopter lost control, and some aviation experts said they suspected that a mechanical issue may have caused the crash.

Eric Nixon was piloting the helicopter when it spiraled toward the ground, his father-in-law, Jerry Miller of Redlands, confirmed in a brief interview on Saturday night.

“He’s

See Full Page