World · North America · 1 hr ago
Three killed in mid-air helicopter collision near Oregon airport
Two helicopters collided in mid-air near McMinnville, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, killing three people.
The crash happened near McMinnville Municipal Airport, involving a Robinson R22 with one person aboard and an Airbus AS350 B3 carrying two.
The victims included two Americans and a student from the UK; the source identifies a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas and a 38-year-old Oregon resident, but does not name the student.
A witness said the helicopters struck each other and fell near the airport, then called emergency services.
Route 223 was closed about a mile west of Dayton, and officials warned the closure could last for an extended period.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating what caused the collision.
Two helicopters collided in mid-air near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The Daily Mail reported that all three people aboard the helicopters were killed, while The Hindu said officials had not provided details about their conditions.
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125; the Daily Mail described the second helicopter as an Airbus AS350 B3.
Highway 233 was closed west of Dayton, and local roads were also shut.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was aware of the crash and was gathering information; the Daily Mail reported that it was investigating.
- Who
- Three people aboard the helicopters. The Daily Mail reported they were killed.
- What
- Two helicopters collided in mid-air.
- When
- Thursday afternoon, October 29, 2026, just before or around 2:15 p.m.
- Where
- Near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon, a few miles east of the airport.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Two helicopters collided near McMinnville Municipal Airport.
Emergency crews responded to reports of the crash.
Highway 233 and local roads were closed.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering information; the Daily Mail reported that it was investigating.
- People aboard
- Three in total: one on the Robinson R22 and two on the other helicopter
- Aircraft
- The Hindu identified a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125; the Daily Mail identified a Robinson R22 and an Airbus AS350 B3
- Location
- Near McMinnville Municipal Airport, Oregon
- Road closure
- Highway 233, 1.6 km west of Dayton, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation
- Reported fatalities
- Three, according to the Daily Mail; The Hindu said occupants’ conditions were not known
2 sources
What people are saying
I immediately called 911.
This could be an extended closure,
Use an alternate route.