By Islam El-Sakka
A student pilot from the United Kingdom was among three people killed when two helicopters collided and crashed into a farm field near McMinnville, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Collision Details
The crash occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time a few miles east of McMinnville Airport, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office. One aircraft was a Robinson R22 two-seat helicopter, and the other was an Airbus H125 capable of carrying up to six passengers. Both helicopters came down in a farm field, and recovery efforts continued into the evening.
Victims Identified
The Robinson helicopter carried two occupants: a flight instructor from Texas and the UK student pilot. The Airbus had a single occupant, an adult male from Oregon. The American victims were named as 38-year-old pilot Tyler Sturdevant and 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo. The UK student pilot has not been publicly identified.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the collision. The scene has been turned over to federal investigators. McMinnville Airport, which sits on 650 acres and has two paved runways, remained open on Thursday.
Aviation School Responds
One of the helicopters belonged to Jerry Trimble Helicopters, an aviation school based at the airport. The school said it is cooperating with authorities and expressed condolences to those affected. A social media post from last year showed Aasbo described as a new private pilot advancing to instrument training.
Foreign Office Contacted
The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment regarding the British national.
