Two helicopters collide near McMinnville airport, three killed
The NTSB identified the aircraft involved as an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22.
By Bianca Zhao ·
Three people died when two helicopters struck each other near an Oregon airport on Thursday afternoon.
The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office reported the collision at approximately 2:15 p.m. near Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road, close to McMinnville Municipal Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board identified the aircraft involved as an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22. Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a flight training company, stated on social media that one of its aircraft was part of the incident.
Sheriff Sam Elliott said at a Thursday night news conference that the Robinson helicopter carried a flight instructor and a student pilot. He identified the instructor as 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo of Texas. The student pilot is from the U.K., and officials have withheld the name while working to notify the family. The third victim, 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg, was aboard the Airbus, according to Elliott.
A witness told investigators he was standing on a barn roof when he watched the two aircraft collide and fall to the ground just outside the airport perimeter. He said he called 911 immediately. The NTSB is investigating the crash.
Road access near the intersection of Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road was restricted following the collision.
Source: WOWT
