Three Dead After Mid-Air Helicopter Collision Near Oregon Airport

Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott identified the victims as 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, 38-year-old pilot Tyler Sturdevant, and an unnamed student pilot from the United Kingdom. Investigators confirmed the Robinson R22 carried two people, while the Airbus H125 was occupied solely by its pilot. One of the aircraft originated from the Jerry Trimble Helicopters flight school based at the nearby McMinnville Airport.

Emergency responders arriving at the scene discovered the green and red aircraft scattered across the field, with one helicopter overturned. The facility, which provides training ranging from introductory flights to advanced certification, issued a statement pledging full cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Federal investigators have since arrived to secure the site and begin determining the factors that led to the collision. Local authorities continue to restrict access to the surrounding area as the investigation proceeds.