Three people have lost their lives after two helicopters collided in midair near a small airport in the state of Oregon, according to local authorities.
Collision Details and Victims
The accident involved a Robinson R22 and an Airbus helicopter and took place near McMinnville Municipal Airport on Thursday afternoon. Both aircraft went down in a field located next to a highway, the sheriff’s office stated.
Officials identified the victims aboard the first aircraft as 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo from Texas and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. The UK student’s identity has not been publicly released while authorities coordinate with the consulate and the FBI to reach the next of kin.
The sole occupant of the second aircraft, the Airbus, was named as 38-year-old Tyler Delane Sturdevant from Newberg, Oregon.
Investigation and Response
One of the helicopters was operated by Jerry Trimble Helicopters, which is a flight training institution situated at the McMinnville Municipal Airport.
“Jerry Trimble Helicopters is deeply saddened to confirm that one of our aircraft was involved in an aviation incident this afternoon,” the organization stated, noting that they are extending full cooperation to investigators.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board deployed personnel to the site and have taken charge of the active investigation. BBC News reported that the FAA was contacted for a statement regarding the incident.
Local law enforcement urged the public to stay away from the surrounding area while emergency responders managed the scene.
