Two helicopters crash into each other in Oregon as emergency responders rush to the scene
Two helicopters collided in mid-air near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon on Thursday afternoon, prompting an emergency response. The crash’s cause and whether anyone was injured or killed were not known in the initial report.
An aircraft emergency was reported at 2.09pm, according to the Yamhill Communications Agency. Oregon’s transport department said all lanes of Route 223 were closed about a mile west of Dayton and warned the closure could be extended. McMinnville Fire District crews were at the scene.
In short
- Two helicopters collided near McMinnville Municipal Airport.
- An aircraft emergency was reported at 2.09pm.
- Route 223 was closed as crews responded.
Explained simply
McMinnville is a city in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, south-west of Portland. Its municipal airport serves local aviation, including private and business flights, and sits near roads used to travel between nearby communities.
Helicopters can fly at low speeds and in varied directions, but pilots still need to keep clear of other aircraft and coordinate their movements. An investigation into any collision would look at factors such as flight paths, visibility, aircraft condition and communication.
Local fire crews and other emergency responders attend aviation incidents to help anyone involved and make the area safe. Road closures near a crash can allow emergency vehicles access and keep traffic away from the scene.