Three Killed in Midair Helicopter Collision Near McMinnville
Goldlaner.com – A collision between two helicopters near McMinnville Municipal Airport in northwest Oregon killed all three people aboard the aircraft Thursday afternoon, October 29, authorities said.
The wreckage was located in a private farm field in a rural area near the airport, in Yamhill County. McMinnville lies roughly 40 miles southwest of Portland.
Victims Identified
One helicopter carried a flight instructor and a student pilot. Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott identified the instructor as 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo of Texas. The student pilot was from the United Kingdom, but officials have not released that person’s identity while relatives are notified.
The second helicopter had one person on board. Authorities identified that pilot as 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg, Oregon.
The crash occurred at about 2:15 p.m. local time. Emergency crews responded to the farm field, while the sheriff’s office urged members of the public to stay clear of the area as the response and investigation continued.
Federal Agencies Investigating
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration also examining the circumstances of the collision. FAA and NTSB personnel were at the crash location Thursday night.
Investigators said the aircraft involved were a Robinson R-22 and an Airbus AS350. Determining how the helicopters came into contact will require a detailed review of the flight activity, aircraft condition, weather and other operational factors. No cause has been announced.
Midair collisions are especially serious aviation events because investigators must establish the movements of both aircraft in the moments before impact. The federal review is expected to focus on evidence at the scene and information available from the helicopters and their operations.
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 is assisting authorities with their work.
“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 deaths involve people connected to both local aviation and flight instruction, underscoring the impact of the crash on families, students, instructors and the broader community around McMinnville.
Authorities have asked for patience while the site remains active for emergency and investigative work. Further details, including the identity of the student pilot and findings about what led to the collision, have not yet been released.
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