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

Three Killed in Midair Helicopter Collision Near McMinnville

Earthguardiansonline.com – A collision involving two helicopters near McMinnville Municipal Airport in northwest Oregon killed all three people aboard the aircraft Thursday afternoon, authorities said. Emergency crews located the wreckage in a private farm field in a rural area close to the airport.

The crash occurred at about 2:15 p.m. local time. McMinnville, the Yamhill County community near the crash site, is roughly 40 miles southwest of Portland.

Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott identified two of those killed as 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo of Texas and 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg, Oregon. Aasbo had been aboard one helicopter with a student pilot from the United Kingdom. Authorities have not released the student pilot’s identity while family notification is pending.

Aircraft and investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the inquiry, while the Federal Aviation Administration is also examining the incident. The aircraft involved were identified as a Robinson R-22 and an Airbus AS350.

Investigators from both federal agencies were at the scene Thursday night. Their work will focus on establishing the sequence of events before the helicopters came together in the air, as well as reviewing the aircraft, operating conditions, pilot information and any available records or evidence.

Early crash investigations often require a detailed examination of the wreckage and surrounding area. Federal investigators may also review flight-training activity, maintenance documentation, communications and other operational information relevant to the two aircraft. No cause of the collision has been announced.

The sheriff’s office asked people to stay away from the area while first responders and investigators handle the critical incident. Keeping the scene clear allows emergency crews to work safely and helps preserve evidence for the investigation.

Flight instructor and student were aboard one helicopter

Aasbo was working as a flight instructor when the crash occurred. The second person in that helicopter was a student pilot visiting from the United Kingdom. Sturdevant was alone in the other aircraft.

One of the helicopters was operated by Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a company that provides helicopter flight instruction and rentals for private flights. The company confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved and said it is assisting investigators.

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

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

The company said it is cooperating with authorities as the investigation proceeds.

What happens next

The deaths mark a devastating event for the families and communities connected to the people aboard the helicopters. The investigation is expected to take time, particularly because it involves two aircraft and a midair collision near an airport environment.

Federal aviation investigations are intended to determine what happened and identify safety issues that may help prevent similar events. Initial findings can change as investigators gather more evidence, inspect the aircraft and analyze information collected from the crash site.

Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances immediately preceding the collision. Updates are expected as investigators continue their work and as officials complete family notifications.