3 dead in Oregon helicopter collision, including flight instructor and student pilot

MCMINNVILLE, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) — Three people are dead after two helicopters crashed into each other Thursday afternoon near an Oregon airport, officials said.

Crash location and road closure

The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office said the crash was reported around 2:15 p.m. near Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road.

The crash scene is near McMinnville Municipal Airport, southeast of McMinnville.

Aircraft involved

The two helicopters were identified as an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22, according to the NTSB.

Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a flight training company, posted on social media that one of its aircraft was involved in the crash.

Victims identified

Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott said at a news conference Thursday night that a flight instructor from Texas and a student pilot from the U.K. were inside the Robinson helicopter. He identified the instructor as 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo.

The student pilot’s name has not been released because officials are still working to notify the family.

The third victim, 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg, was in the Airbus at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff.

Witness account

A witness said he was standing on the roof of a nearby barn when he saw the two helicopters crash into each other and then hit the ground just outside the perimeter of the airport. He said he immediately called 911.

The crash is under investigation.