FAA identifies Robinson R22, Airbus H125 in collision east of airport
Two helicopters carrying a total of three people collided in midair Thursday a few miles east of McMinnville Airport in Oregon, forcing the closure of a key highway, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration said the collision was between a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125.
Only the pilot was aboard the R22, and the H125 was carrying two people, according to an FAA statement. Officials had no details about the occupants’ conditions.
Emergency crews responded around 2:15 p.m. after reports of a crash a few miles east of the McMinnville Airport, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office.
The Oregon Department of Transportation said Highway 233 is closed 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) west of Dayton because of the crash, with no estimate for reopening.
Local roads were also closed. The sheriff’s office urged the public to stay clear of the area.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was aware of the incident but was still gathering information.
McMinnville, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) southwest of Portland, is home to about 34,000 people.
The small airport, which sits on 650 acres (263 hectares), has two paved runways, according to its website. It is partially bordered by homes and near the North American Aerospace Museum.