Three killed in midair helicopter collision near Oregon airport, authorities confirm

Three Killed in Midair Collision of Two Helicopters Near McMinnville Airport

Three people lost their lives when a Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus H125 helicopter collided over a field near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Yamhill County, Oregon. The impact occurred at about 2:15 p.m. Thursday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The R22 was carrying flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. Both were killed in the crash. The identity of the British student is currently being withheld while relatives are notified. The H125 was piloted by Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon. Sturdevant also died in the accident.

The collision took place in a field roughly one mile west of Dayton, off Oregon Route 233, a location that prompted emergency responders to close the highway and nearby county roads. Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Mindy McCartt said the road closures would remain in effect until authorities determine it is safe to reopen, but she did not provide a reopening estimate.

McMinnville Airport manager John Paskell reported that the collision occurred outside of airport property and did not disrupt airport operations. The airport remained open and no restrictions were imposed. While both helicopters are known to be based at the airport, the purpose of their flight or the circumstances leading to the midair contact remain unclear.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the incident. Neither the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office nor the NTSB has provided additional comments at this time, and the cause of the collision has not yet been determined.