Oregon: Three people have been killed after two helicopters collided midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon, United States. The aircraft, a Robinson R22 and an Airbus helicopter, crashed into a field alongside a highway, according to the local sheriff’s office.
Authorities identified two of the victims as Maddie Aasbo, a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom, who were aboard the Robinson R22.
Officials have not yet publicly identified the student pilot as they work with the British consulate and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to notify the next of kin. The third victim, identified as 38-year-old Tyler Delane Sturdevant of Newberg, Oregon, was the sole occupant of the Airbus helicopter.
The cause of the collision remains unknown, and an investigation is underway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have responded to the scene and are leading the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
One of the helicopters involved in the incident was operated by Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a flight training school based at McMinnville Municipal Airport. In a statement, the company expressed deep sadness over the incident and confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the crash. It also said it was fully cooperating with the authorities investigating the incident.
Officials had urged members of the public to avoid the area while emergency responders attended the scene and carried out initial operations. Further details about the circumstances of the collision are expected as the investigation progresses.
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