Three killed in helicopter collision near McMinnville
A flight instructor, a student pilot, and a third occupant died when two aircraft collided Thursday afternoon in Yamhill County.
By Dylan Moore ·
Three people died in a helicopter collision near McMinnville, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon.
Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office officials received the crash report at approximately 2:15 p.m. near Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road. The scene was located close to McMinnville Municipal Airport, situated southeast of the city.
The National Transportation Safety Board identified the aircraft as an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22. Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a local flight training company, stated on social media that one of its vehicles was involved in the incident.
Sheriff Sam Elliott identified the victims at a Thursday evening news conference. The Robinson helicopter carried 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo, a flight instructor from Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. Officials withheld the student’s name while family members were being notified. The Airbus helicopter carried 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg.
A witness standing on a nearby barn roof observed the two helicopters strike each other before hitting the ground just outside the airport perimeter. The witness called 911 immediately after the impact. The crash remains under investigation.
Source: WWSB
