Three Killed in Mid-Air Helicopter Collision Near Oregon Airport

According to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, three people died following a mid-air collision between two helicopters near an airport in northwest Oregon on Thursday afternoon.

Incident Details and Response

The crash took place at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time near McMinnville Municipal Airport, situated roughly 40 miles southwest of Portland. Following the collision, emergency services, encompassing local law enforcement, firefighters, and medical personnel, deployed to the crash site.

• Location: Near McMinnville Municipal Airport, Yamhill County, Oregon, USA.
• Date of Incident: Thursday afternoon.
• Response Agencies: Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, local firefighters, and medical responders.

Occupants and Aircraft Information

Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott reported during a Thursday evening news conference that one helicopter carried two individuals: a flight instructor from Texas and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. The second helicopter contained a single occupant, identified as a pilot from Newberg, Oregon.

One of the involved aircraft belonged to Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a private rental service and flight training school. The company issued a statement confirming that one of its aircraft was involved in the afternoon incident, expressing deep sorrow and offering thoughts to the affected families and individuals.

Investigation Status

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the collision, while the FAA conducts its own parallel inquiry.

• Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and maintain patience during the emergency response.
• Verification of official updates can be pursued through statements released by the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, NTSB, and FAA.