Tragic Helicopter Collision Near McMinnville Claims Three Lives

MCMINNVILLE, Ore. (KATU) — A tragic midair collision involving two helicopters occurred Thursday afternoon close to McMinnville Municipal Airport, leading to the deaths of three individuals, as confirmed by Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott.

Details of the Incident

Authorities reported that the crash site is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Portland, within a privately owned agricultural field. Images released by the sheriff’s office display the wreckage of both aircraft involved: a larger helicopter belonging to Precision Helicopters and a smaller Robinson R22.

Victims Identified

The wreckage included the bodies of Maddie Aasbo, a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas, and a 31-year-old student pilot from the United Kingdom, aboard the Robinson R22. The other aircraft, an Airbus AS350B3, was piloted by Tyler Sturdevant, a 38-year-old resident of Newberg. They were the only occupants of the two helicopters.

The name of the student pilot has not been released as the FBI is currently facilitating family notifications through consulate channels.

Flight Details and Response

According to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, the Precision helicopter departed from McMinnville Municipal Airport around 1:50 p.m., subsequently flying toward Newberg and making several loops before returning to McMinnville. The flight track concluded less than a mile east of the airport about 20 minutes after takeoff. Witnesses began reporting the incident to dispatchers at approximately 2:10 p.m.

Emergency services located the downed helicopters in a remote farmland area near Southeast Highway 154 and Stringtown Road.

Precision Helicopters Reacts

In a statement, Precision Helicopters expressed their condolences regarding the loss of Tyler Sturdevant, referring to him as a “beloved pilot.” The statement emphasized the need for privacy for the families involved during this difficult time, as the company collaborates with local officials and regulatory agencies to ascertain the cause of the tragic event.

Investigation and Local Impact

As investigation efforts continue, the Oregon Department of Transportation has temporarily closed sections of Highway 233, approximately one mile west of Dayton, due to the aftermath of the collision. At this time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Authorities encourage anyone with photos or videos of the incident to share them to aid in the investigation.