Two Helicopters Collide Midair Near Oregon Airport
Two helicopters collided in midair Thursday near McMinnville Municipal Airport, about 35 miles southwest of Portland. Three people were aboard the two aircraft.
- 1 pilot flew the Robinson R22, a two-seat helicopter.
- 2 people were aboard the Airbus H125, which seats up to six.
- 2:09 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.: reported times vary across agencies and outlets.
- 1 mile west of Dayton, the state highway was closed after the crash.
Why it matters: Officials had not released the conditions of anyone aboard either helicopter. The cause of the collision was also unclear.
- Road closures cut off a key route near Dayton and surrounding local roads.
- The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office asked the public to avoid the area.
How 18 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 7 sources: The center emphasizes the three people aboard and the highway closure near Dayton.
Left coverage, 5 sources: The left reports a confirmed midair collision, citing FAA details on the aircraft and the NTSB-led investigation.
Right coverage, 6 sources: The right reports the scene as it unfolded, focusing on emergency crews arriving and dispatch details.
What’s next: The NTSB will lead the investigation, with the FAA also involved. The NTSB said it was still gathering information.
- Oregon transportation officials warned the closure could last an extended period.
- What condition are the three people who were aboard in?
- What led the two helicopters to collide near the airport?
- Is the closed road Highway 233, as CTV News reported, or Route 223, as the Daily Mail reported?
