Two helicopters carrying three people collided in midair near an Oregon airport, resulting in a crash in a field and leading to the closure of a nearby highway. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, involving a Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus H125 helicopter, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The collision took place around 2:15 p.m. local time near McMinnville Municipal Airport. According to the FAA, the Robinson R22 had only the pilot on board, whereas the Airbus H125 was carrying two individuals.
A road closure sign was posted to block traffic in the area following the incident. Details about any injuries or fatalities remain unclear as the FAA did not provide specific information on the conditions of the individuals involved.
The incident happened in a field off Oregon Route 233, approximately one mile west of Dayton, as reported by Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Mindy McCartt. In response to requests from emergency responders, the highway and some nearby county roads were closed, with no estimated reopening time given.
McMinnville Airport Manager John Paskell communicated that the accident occurred off airport property, thereby not disrupting airport operations. The airport continued functioning without any closures or restrictions.
Paskell mentioned that both helicopters were based at the airport but could not provide information regarding their activities or how the collision took place.
The FAA will investigate the collision in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will lead the inquiry and offer further updates. The agency warned that the preliminary data might change as investigations proceed.
Neither the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office nor the NTSB responded to requests for comments from Fox News Digital.