Mid‑air collision of two helicopters forces closure of Oregon Highway 233

Two helicopters collided in mid‑air near McMinnville, Oregon, prompting the closure of Highway 233. The crash occurred a few miles east of McMinnville Airport at about 2.15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 29, 2026, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125. The R22 carried only its pilot, while the H125 had two occupants. No details on the occupants’ condition have been released. Emergency crews reached the scene shortly after the report and secured the crash zone. Oregon Department of Transportation closed a 1.6 km stretch of Highway 233 west of Dayton and also shut nearby local roads, giving no timeline for reopening. Local streets adjacent to the crash site were also blocked to allow rescue operations. The sheriff’s office asked the public to stay clear of the area. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it is aware of the incident and is still gathering information. The R22 is a two‑seat light helicopter; the H125 can transport up to six passengers depending on configuration. McMinnville, a town of about 34,000 located 56 km southwest of Portland, hosts a 263‑hectare airport with two paved runways and lies close to the North American Aerospace Museum. The airport is partially bordered by homes. ## Context Mid‑air collisions between small helicopters, though rare, often lead to road closures when they happen near transport corridors, highlighting the need for swift coordination between aviation and local authorities.