Two helicopters collided in midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon on Thursday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed. A Robinson R22 carrying one pilot and an Airbus H125 carrying two people crashed in a field near the airport. Authorities closed Oregon Route 233 and nearby county roads while emergency crews responded. The conditions of the three people aboard were not immediately disclosed.
The collision occurred at about 2:15 p.m. local time near the airport and approximately one mile west of Dayton. The airport remained open because the crash happened off airport property. The FAA said it would investigate with the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the inquiry.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Collision and aircraft involved |
| 2) | Location, timing and immediate response |
| 3) | Passenger status remains unclear |
| 4) | Airport operations continue |
| 5) | FAA and NTSB investigation |
Collision and aircraft involved
The FAA said a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125 collided in the air near McMinnville Municipal Airport at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time on Thursday. The Robinson carried only its pilot, while two people were aboard the Airbus. Both helicopters crashed in a field after the collision.
The agency did not release details about the pilots, passengers, flight purposes or the circumstances that brought the aircraft into contact. Those issues are expected to be examined as investigators reconstruct the aircraft movements and determine how the collision occurred.
Location, timing and immediate response
The crash site was in a field off Oregon Route 233, about one mile west of Dayton and near McMinnville Municipal Airport. The incident took place during the afternoon, bringing emergency vehicles and personnel to the area.
At the request of emergency responders, Oregon Route 233 and some nearby county roads were closed. Mindy McCartt, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Transportation, said there was no estimated reopening time when the roads were closed. The closures were intended to support the emergency response and preserve access around the crash area.
Passenger status remains unclear
The FAA did not initially provide information about possible injuries or fatalities. As a result, the conditions of the one pilot and two other people aboard the helicopters remained unknown in the preliminary information released after the crash.
The lack of an immediate status update meant that authorities had not publicly confirmed the extent of harm to anyone involved. Further information about injuries, fatalities or the identities of those aboard would depend on emergency response updates and the continuing investigation.
Airport operations continue
The collision occurred off airport property and did not disrupt operations at McMinnville Municipal Airport. Airport manager John Paskell said the facility remained open without closures or restrictions.
Paskell said he understood that both helicopters were based at the airport, but he could not confirm what activities they were conducting or explain how the collision happened. The distinction between the off-site crash location and the airport itself allowed normal airport operations to continue while response activity took place nearby.
FAA and NTSB investigation
The FAA said it would investigate the collision with the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide additional updates as investigators gather evidence and determine the sequence of events.
The FAA emphasized that its initial information was preliminary and could change. Investigators will be responsible for establishing the helicopters’ activities, flight paths, operating conditions and the factors that led to the midair collision. No cause was identified in the initial announcement.
| Key Points | |
|---|---|
| Number | Key Point |
| 1 | A Robinson R22 and Airbus H125 collided near McMinnville Municipal Airport. |
| 2 | Three people were aboard the two helicopters in total. |
| 3 | Oregon Route 233 and nearby county roads were closed after the crash. |
| 4 | The airport stayed open because the crash occurred off airport property. |
| 5 | The NTSB will lead the investigation with the FAA’s assistance. |
Summary
The midair collision near McMinnville Municipal Airport brought emergency crews to a field west of Dayton and temporarily closed nearby roads. Initial federal information confirmed the aircraft involved and the number of people aboard but did not establish their conditions or identify a cause. The NTSB and FAA are expected to provide further information as the investigation proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the helicopter collision occur?
It occurred in a field off Oregon Route 233, about one mile west of Dayton and near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon.
How many people were aboard the helicopters?
Three people were aboard in total. One pilot was in the Robinson R22, and two people were in the Airbus H125.
Did the airport close after the crash?
No. The airport remained open without closures or restrictions because the collision occurred off airport property, although nearby roads were closed for the emergency response.
Who is investigating the collision?
The FAA is investigating alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the investigation and issue further updates.
