Oregon Sky: Three killed in mid-air helicopter collision
A flight instructor and a student pilot from the U.K. died in a Robinson R22, while a third man died in an AS350B2 near McMinnville.
By Hassan Okoye ·
A mid-air collision between two helicopters claimed three lives on Thursday afternoon near McMinnville, Oregon. The accident occurred just outside the perimeter of the McMinnville Municipal Airport, where the aircraft struck one another before crashing to the ground.
Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office officials received the initial report at approximately 2:15 p.m. The crash site is located at the intersection of Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road. Local authorities closed nearby roads to manage the scene and allow emergency crews to work.
The National Transportation Safety Board identified the involved aircraft as an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22. Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a local flight training firm, confirmed via social media that one of its planes was part of the incident.
Sheriff Sam Elliott provided details on the victims at a news conference later that evening. He identified Maddie Aasbo, a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas, as one occupant of the Robinson helicopter. A student pilot from the United Kingdom was also in that aircraft, though officials had not yet released the name to allow time for family notifications. The third victim, 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg, was traveling in the Airbus helicopter.
A witness standing on the roof of a nearby barn saw the two helicopters collide. The observer stated that the aircraft hit the ground immediately after the impact and dialed 911 right away.
Investigators are currently examining the wreckage and witness accounts to determine the cause of the crash.
Source: WOIO
