Helicopter Collision Near Oregon Airport

Two helicopters collided in the air near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon on Thursday afternoon. The incident involved a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125, carrying a total of three individuals. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the collision occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time.

The Robinson R22 had only the pilot on board, while the Airbus H125 carried two people. The FAA has not provided details regarding injuries or fatalities, leaving the status of those involved unknown.

“A road closure sign blocks traffic near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon on Thursday, following a midair collision between two helicopters.”

The crash happened in a field located about one mile west of Dayton, along Oregon Route 233. Mindy McCartt, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Transportation, stated that the highway and some nearby county roads were closed at the request of emergency responders. No time has been set for when these roads might reopen.

John Paskell, the manager of McMinnville Municipal Airport, confirmed that the collision occurred outside airport property, therefore not affecting airport functions. The airport has remained operational without any closures or restrictions.

Although both helicopters were reportedly based at the airport, Paskell could not verify their activities at the time of the collision.

The FAA will investigate this incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will take lead on the investigation and provide subsequent updates. The FAA has emphasized that the current information is preliminary and may change as more details emerge.

The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the NTSB have not commented in response to inquiries regarding the incident.