Three dead in midair collision near McMinnville airport
Yamhill County Sheriff confirms fatalities in a crash involving a flight school helicopter and a private aircraft Thursday afternoon.
By Wyatt Cooper ·
Three people died after two helicopters collided in midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport on Thursday afternoon. The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office reported the incident at approximately 2:15 p.m. at a location near Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road.
Sheriff Sam Elliott identified the victims during a news conference held Thursday evening. The Robinson R22 helicopter contained two occupants: Maddie Aasbo, a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. The student's name has not been released while officials notify family members.
The third victim was Tyler Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg. He was aboard an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed the make and model of both aircraft involved in the collision.
Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a local flight training company, stated on social media that one of its aircraft was part of the accident. The company operates the Robinson helicopter involved in the crash.
A witness described standing on the roof of a nearby barn when he saw the two helicopters strike each other. He reported that they hit the ground just outside the airport perimeter before he called 911.
The crash site remains under active investigation by state and federal authorities. Road closures were put in place near the intersection of Lafayette Highway and Stringtown Road during the initial response.
Source: KVVU-TV
