Clay Township, MI – June 22, 2025
Diners at a popular waterfront restaurant were sent running for cover Saturday afternoon after a private helicopter crash-landed near the shores of Lake St. Clair in Clay Township, Michigan.
According to local authorities, the helicopter attempted to land in a grassy area adjacent to Cabana Blue, a busy restaurant with outdoor seating. During the landing attempt, the aircraft tipped forward and flipped, causing a dramatic scene that startled onlookers but resulted in no injuries.
“We heard a loud noise and then saw the rotor blades throw up a cloud of dirt and debris,” one witness told local media. “It was like something out of a movie.”
FAA Launches Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now investigating the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest the pilot may have misjudged the landing space or encountered a mechanical issue, but no official cause has been confirmed.
The helicopter reportedly had only the pilot onboard, and no diners or bystanders were struck or harmed.
“We are extremely fortunate no one was injured,” said Clay Township Police Chief Brian S. Cummings. “Emergency crews responded quickly and secured the scene.”
