3 dead, 2 injured after helicopter crashes into California house

At least three people were killed and two others injured when a helicopter crashed into a house Tuesday in Newport Beach, California.

"5 persons involved, 4 in helicopter and one bystander on the ground. Confirmed 3 fatalities," Newport Beach Police tweeted. "Nobody was inside the home where the chopper went down."

The four-seat Robinson 44 helicopter, which was owned by Revolution Aviation, crashed around 1:45pm (0545 GMT) on Shearwater Place near Bristol Street and Bayview Place, according to the city news service.

A witness who spoke to CBS Los Angeles said he saw the chopper "drop like a rock."

According to the company's website, Revolution Aviation has been operating since the 1960s, offering pilot training and sightseeing trips. It also boasts a 100-percent safety record.