Three Killed When Two Helicopters Collide Near McMinnville Airport
A flight instructor, a student pilot and an Airbus passenger died Thursday when an AS350B2 and an R22 struck each other outside the airport perimeter.
By Rafael Delgado ·
Two helicopters hit each other Thursday afternoon near McMinnville Municipal Airport and went down outside the airport fence, killing all three people aboard. The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office put the crash at about 2:15 p.m. near Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road, southeast of McMinnville.
The National Transportation Safety Board identified the aircraft as an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22. Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a flight training company, posted on social media that one of its aircraft was involved.
Sheriff Sam Elliott said at a news conference Thursday night that the Robinson carried a flight instructor from Texas and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. 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, according to the sheriff.
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. He said he immediately called 911. The crash is under investigation.
The collision closed roads near the intersection of Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road. Jerry Trimble Helicopters confirmed its involvement in a social media post. The NTSB is examining the two aircraft involved.
