Two helicopters collide mid-air during flight near Oregon airport, three killed
The collision occurred around 2:15 pm local time near McMinnville Municipal Airport, about 40 miles southwest of Portland. The company confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was leading the investigation into the collision, with the FAA also probing the incident. “Jerry Trimble Helicopters is deeply saddened to confirm that one of our aircraft was involved in an aviation incident this afternoon,” the company said in a statement. “… Our hearts and thoughts are with the individuals involved, their families, and everyone affected by this event.”
Emergency responders, including local law enforcement, firefighters and medical personnel, rushed to the scene. The sheriff’s office urged the public to avoid the area and have “patience as we respond to this critical incident.