Two Helicopters Collide in Mid-Air Near Oregon Airport, Closing Highway

According to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, two helicopters carrying a total of three people collided in mid-air near a small airport southwest of Portland, Oregon, resulting in the closure of a key highway. Emergency crews responded to the incident around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following reports of a crash a few miles east of the McMinnville Airport.

Aircraft and Occupant Details

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the collision involved a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125.

• Robinson R22: Carried only the pilot on board.
• Airbus H125: Carried two people on board.

Officials stated there were no immediate details available regarding the conditions of the occupants.

Closures and Official Response

The Oregon Department of Transportation reported that Highway 233 was closed 1.6 km west of Dayton due to the crash, with no initial estimate provided for its reopening. The Sheriff's Office stated that flights were temporarily restricted over the area for safety reasons, and local roads were also closed. Authorities urged the public to stay clear of the area.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it was aware of the incident and was in the process of gathering information.

Location Background

McMinnville, located approximately 56 km southwest of Portland, has a population of about 34,000 people. The local airport sits on 263 hectares, features two paved runways, and is partially bordered by homes near the North American Aerospace Museum.

Verification and Safety

To verify further updates regarding this incident, the public and media can monitor official announcements from the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).