Three Dead After Two Helicopters Collide in Oregon
Three people have died following a mid-air collision between two helicopters near a municipal airport in Oregon, local authorities and federal agencies confirmed.
Authorities in Oregon confirmed that three individuals lost their lives following a mid-air collision involving two helicopters near a small airport. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in a private farm field situated south-east of McMinnville, close to the McMinnville municipal airport.
The Yamhill county sheriff’s office stated that emergency reports regarding an aircraft incident were received at approximately 2:10 pm local time. Sheriff Sam Elliott addressed the press to confirm that the collision involved a 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and a 2018 Airbus AS 350B3 helicopter. Two occupants were traveling aboard the Robinson aircraft, while a single pilot was inside the Airbus. Tragically, all three individuals involved in the crash did not survive.
Victim Identification and Investigation
Sheriff Elliott stated that one of the victims on the Robinson helicopter was a student pilot originating from the United Kingdom. Local law enforcement agencies are currently collaborating with the FBI and the British consulate to ensure family notification. The second occupant of the Robinson aircraft was identified as 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo, a flight instructor from Texas. The sole occupant of the Airbus helicopter was identified as 38-year-old pilot Tyler Sturdevant, who resided in Newberg, Oregon.
Following the tragedy, control of the crash location was transferred to federal investigators. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board assumed responsibility for determining the cause of the collision. According to an FAA statement, the impact took place near the airport around 2:15 pm local time, and the NTSB will lead the ongoing inquiry and release further updates.
Three people died after two helicopters collided in mid-air near an Oregon airport.
Local Aviation School Responds
Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a local aviation school operating out of McMinnville, issued a public statement via social media addressing the disaster. The company confirmed that one of their company aircraft was involved in the afternoon incident near the municipal airport. Representatives expressed deep sorrow regarding the event, extending thoughts to the victims and their families.
Furthermore, the organization emphasized its complete cooperation with both local law enforcement and federal investigators. Officials stated they are actively assisting authorities to secure the location and uncover the exact sequence of events that led to the collision.