Two helicopters carrying a total of three people collided in mid-air near a small airport southwest of Portland, Oregon, forcing the closure of a key highway, authorities said.
Officials had no details about the occupants’ conditions. The R22 is a two-seat aircraft and the H125 can carry up to six passengers, depending on the configuration. It’s partially bordered by homes and near the North American Aerospace Museum.
Emergency crews responded around 2.15 p.m. on Thursday (October 29, 2026) following reports of a crash a few miles east of the McMinnville Airport, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. ALSO WATCH U.S. aircraft collides with chopper; 67 feared dead McMinnville, about 56 km southwest of Portland, is home to about 34,000 people. The small airport situated on 263 hectares has two paved runways, according to its website.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the collision was between a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125. Only the pilot was on board the R22 and the H125 was carrying two people, according to an FAA statement. The National Transportation Safety Board said it was aware of the incident but was still gathering information.
There was no estimate for reopening. Local roads were also closed. The sheriff’s office urged the public to stay clear of the area.
Because of the crash, the Oregon Department of Transportation said Highway 233 is closed 1.6 km west of Dayton.
