3 dead after 2 helicopters collide midair near Oregon airport, sheriff says

Three Killed in Midair Helicopter Collision Near McMinnville

Activelifezero.com – A midair collision involving two helicopters near McMinnville Municipal Airport in northwest Oregon left three people dead Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

Emergency crews located both aircraft after they came down in a privately owned farm field in a rural area near the airport. The crash occurred at roughly 2:15 p.m. local time, prompting a major response from local law enforcement and federal aviation investigators.

McMinnville is located in Yamhill County, about 40 miles southwest of Portland. The sheriff’s office urged members of the public to stay away from the crash area while responders handled what it described as a critical incident.

Victims Identified

One helicopter had two people aboard: 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo of Texas and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott identified Aasbo during a Thursday evening news conference.

The student pilot’s identity was not released because relatives had not yet been notified.

The second helicopter carried only its pilot, 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg, Oregon. He also died in the collision.

The deaths brought the total number of victims to three. Authorities did not provide further details Thursday night about the moments before the helicopters struck each other or the condition of the aircraft before the crash.

Federal Agencies Lead Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, while the Federal Aviation Administration is conducting its own inquiry. Personnel from both agencies were at the scene Thursday evening as investigators began documenting the wreckage and gathering information.

The aircraft involved were identified as a Robinson R-22 and an Airbus AS350. The Robinson R-22 is a light helicopter commonly used for flight instruction and personal flying. The Airbus AS350 is a larger helicopter model used in a range of civilian aviation operations.

Investigators will be responsible for determining how the collision occurred, including the flight paths of both helicopters and the circumstances surrounding their operations near the airport. No cause has been announced.

Crashes involving aircraft near an airport can require investigators to examine a wide range of details, including aircraft records, pilot experience, communications and conditions in the area. Federal investigators had not released findings by Thursday night, and the early stage of the inquiry means conclusions will take time.

Training Company Confirms Aircraft Involvement

Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a helicopter flight-training school that also rents aircraft for private flights, said one of its helicopters was involved in the incident. The company said it was cooperating with the investigation.

“Jerry Trimble Helicopters is deeply saddened to confirm that one of our aircraft was involved in an aviation incident this afternoon,” the company said.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with the individuals involved, their families, and everyone affected by this event.”

The company did not disclose additional details about the flight or the people aboard its aircraft.

The loss of a flight instructor and student pilot highlights the personal impact of an aviation tragedy that extends beyond the crash site. Families, colleagues, fellow pilots and the surrounding community are now awaiting answers as the investigation moves forward.

Community Asked to Avoid Crash Area

Yamhill County authorities asked residents and others traveling near the rural area outside McMinnville to give emergency personnel room to work. Such scenes can remain active for hours as first responders secure the area and federal investigators inspect the aircraft.

Officials had not released information about road closures, damage beyond the farm field or any disruption at McMinnville Municipal Airport. The sheriff’s office focused its public message on keeping people out of the immediate area while crews responded.

Thursday’s collision remains under investigation by the NTSB and FAA. Further updates are expected as authorities complete next-of-kin notifications, examine the wreckage and establish a clearer account of what led to the fatal crash.