Three killed in midair helicopter collision at Oregon airport

· Aviation · United States

Three people were killed when a Robinson R22 and an Airbus AS350B3 collided in flight near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon. The two helicopters came together in midair at the airport, which handles general aviation and flight training traffic. Both aircraft types are widely used in training, tourism and utility roles, and the R22 is a common entry-level trainer. The collision is the most serious rotary-wing accident reported this week and is likely to draw attention to airspace procedures around busy general aviation fields where light helicopters mix with other traffic. No further details on the occupants or the circumstances of the collision were given.

Why it matters：Fatal midair collisions at general aviation fields sharpen scrutiny of see-and-avoid procedures and airspace management where training helicopters share busy local traffic.

Key points

  • The two aircraft were a Robinson R22 and an Airbus AS350B3.
  • The collision occurred near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon.
  • Three people were killed.

Sources (original reporting)

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