Two Helicopters Collide Near McMinnville Airport in Oregon

A midair collision between two helicopters near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Yamhill County, Oregon, prompted emergency responses and highway closures Thursday afternoon. The aircraft went down southeast of McMinnville near Southeast Highway 154 and Southeast Stringtown Road, with federal authorities launching an investigation into the cause. The collision occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.

The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as an Airbus H125 and a Robinson R22. The FAA said the Robinson R22 carried only its pilot, while the Airbus H125 had two people aboard. Officials had not immediately confirmed the condition of anyone involved.

Multiple emergency agencies responded to the crash site and surrounding areas, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office. Authorities had not released further details about the circumstances that led to the collision.

A witness told FOX 12 that he was standing on the roof of a nearby barn when he saw the helicopters collide in the air. He said both aircraft subsequently struck the ground just outside the airport perimeter, prompting him to call 911. The crash also disrupted traffic in the surrounding area. The Oregon Department of Transportation reported the closure of Highway 233 approximately one mile west of Dayton.

TripCheck indicated that both directions of Highway 233 were closed and expected to remain inaccessible for several hours. The closures affected roads near the crash location as emergency personnel responded. The FAA confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board would lead the investigation into the accident. The NTSB also confirmed that it was investigating the collision.

McMinnville is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Portland. Authorities had not yet provided additional information about the aircraft occupants or identified what caused the two helicopters to collide.