Helicopter Collision Near Oregon Airport
Two helicopters collided in midair near an Oregon airport on Thursday afternoon. The incident involved a Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus H125 helicopter, both carrying a total of three people. The collision occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time near McMinnville Municipal Airport, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Robinson R22 carried only its pilot, while the Airbus H125 had two people on board. The FAA has not released information about injuries or fatalities, leaving the status of those onboard unclear.
The crash happened in a field near Oregon Route 233, about a mile west of Dayton. This information was provided by Mindy McCartt, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Transportation. As a result, authorities closed the highway and nearby county roads at the request of emergency responders. The reopening time of these roads remains unknown.
Despite the collision, McMinnville Municipal Airport continued operations without any closures or restrictions. John Paskell, the airport manager, confirmed the collision took place off airport property. Both helicopters were reportedly based at the airport, but their activities at the time were not detailed.
The Federal Aviation Administration, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), will investigate the incident. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide further updates as they arise. The FAA emphasized that its current information is preliminary and may change as the investigation proceeds.
No comments have been received from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office or the NTSB regarding the incident.
This report was prepared by Brittany Miller, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and a Syracuse University graduate.