McMinnville, Ore. – On Thursday afternoon, two helicopters collided near the McMinnville Municipal Airport, about one mile west of Dayton. The crash occurred just outside the airport perimeter, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Witness accounts and emergency response
A local resident who was on the roof of a nearby barn reported seeing the two aircraft strike each other in mid‑air before falling to the ground. The witness quickly called 911, alerting first responders to the scene.
Oregon State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration arrived within minutes to secure the crash site, assist any potential victims, and begin an investigation into the cause of the collision.
Impact on Highway 233
According to TripCheck, both lanes of Highway 233 are currently closed. The closure is expected to last several hours while investigators and cleanup crews work to remove debris and ensure the roadway is safe for traffic.
Motorists traveling through the area are advised to seek alternate routes. Local law enforcement is directing traffic to nearby detours and will provide updates as the situation develops.
Safety considerations
Helicopter operations near populated areas are subject to strict safety regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration will review flight plans, pilot qualifications, and aircraft maintenance records as part of its investigation.
Residents are encouraged to stay clear of the crash site and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Any additional information about the incident should be reported to local authorities.
What’s next?
Investigators will conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage, interview witnesses, and review any available flight data. The goal is to determine the factors that led to the mid‑air collision and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This story is developing. Updates will be provided as more details become available.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
