Two helicopters, carrying three people in total, collided in midair near an Oregon airport on Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred in a field, leading authorities to close a nearby highway. A Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus H125 helicopter were involved in the collision near McMinnville Municipal Airport at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided to Fox News Digital.
The FAA confirmed that only the pilot was aboard the Robinson R22, while the Airbus H125 carried two individuals. The agency did not disclose information regarding potential injuries or fatalities, leaving the conditions of those onboard unclear.
The collision took place about one mile west of Dayton, off Oregon Route 233, as stated by Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Mindy McCartt. McCartt mentioned that the highway and some nearby county roads were closed at the request of emergency responders, with no estimated time for reopening.
McMinnville Airport Manager John Paskell informed Fox News Digital that the collision did not occur on airport property and did not disrupt airport operations. The airport remained operational without any closures or restrictions.
Paskell indicated that both helicopters were based at the airport, but could not confirm their activities or how the collision happened. The FAA announced that both it and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would investigate the collision. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide further updates.
The FAA emphasized that the information provided was preliminary and subject to change. The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and NTSB did not respond to requests for comment.
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