Three Killed in Midair Helicopter Collision Near McMinnville Airport
A Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125 collided in midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport, killing all three occupants.
Three people died after two helicopters collided in midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Yamhill County on Thursday afternoon, officials said. Sheriff Sam Elliott identified the aircraft as a Robinson R22, which had only the pilot aboard, and an Airbus H125, which carried a flight instructor from Texas, a student pilot from the United Kingdom, and a man from Newberg. The crash occurred around 2:15 p.m. near Southeast Highway 154 and Stringtown Road, landing in a private field.
The Oregon Department of Transportation closed a section of Highway 233, one mile west of Dayton, as a safety precaution. The condition of the victims has not been released.
"The helicopters collided in midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport," a Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson said.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision.