An aviation tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon when a midair helicopter crash claimed the life of three individuals near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon. The fatal incident, which is now under active federal investigation, involved two distinct aircraft coming together in flight approximately 40 miles southwest of Portland.
Oregon Helicopter Crash Details
The disastrous event took place at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office. Witnesses on the ground near the intersection of Highway 33 and Cruickshank Road—located southeast of McMinnville—reported observing the collision.
Upon arrival, emergency first responders located both crashed aircraft resting in a field near the highway. The involved aircraft were identified as a 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and a 2018 Airbus AS350B3 helicopter.
Victims Identified by Authorities
Law enforcement and local authorities have begun releasing details concerning the individuals aboard the two helicopters during the fatal crash.
- Flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas, was aboard the Robinson R22 alongside a student pilot from the U.K.
- The identity of the U.K. student pilot has been withheld while authorities collaborate with the FBI and the consulate to notify next of kin.
- The sole occupant of the Airbus AS350B3 was identified as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon.
While initial FAA statements suggested different occupant counts, the sheriff clarified the distribution during a press briefing based on information gathered by personnel at the scene.
Federal Investigation Underway
Federal aviation safety authorities have quickly mobilized to determine the exact cause of the accident. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) deployed personnel to the site.
According to the sheriff's office and the FAA, the NTSB will lead the investigation moving forward as experts examine the wreckage and gather flight data from the area surrounding McMinnville.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the helicopter crash near McMinnville happen?
The collision occurred on Thursday at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time.
Where did the aircraft collide?
The incident took place in the air near McMinnville Municipal Airport, approximately 40 miles southwest of Portland, with wreckage landing in a field near Highway 33 and Cruickshank Road.
Who is leading the investigation into the crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).