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Three killed in midair helicopter collision near Oregon airport, authorities confirm
Three people were killed when two helicopters collided midair near an Oregon airport Thursday afternoon, crashing in a field and prompting authorities to close a nearby highway.
A Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus H125 helicopter collided near McMinnville Municipal Airport around 2:15 p.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) told Fox News Digital that the collision occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time.
The agency identified the Airbus helicopter as an AS350B2 operating on a maintenance flight and the Robinson R22 Beta as conducting an instructional flight.
The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office confirmed Thursday that all three people aboard both helicopters died in the crash.
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The two victims aboard the Robinson R22 helicopter were identified as 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, of Texas, and 31-year-old student pilot Christopher James Joughin, of the United Kingdom, according to the sheriff's office.
Joughin's identity was confirmed Friday after authorities initially withheld his name pending notification of next of kin.
The sole occupant of the Airbus helicopter was identified as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon.
The collision occurred in a field off Oregon Route 233, about one mile west of Dayton, according to Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Mindy McCartt.
McCartt told Fox News Digital that the highway and some nearby county roads were closed at the request of emergency responders. She said there was no estimated reopening time.
McMinnville Airport Manager John Paskell told Fox News Digital that the collision occurred off airport property and did not disrupt airport operations. The airport remained open without closures or restrictions.
Paskell said he understood that both helicopters were based at the airport but could not confirm what activities they were conducting or how the collision occurred.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) responded to the scene and are leading the ongoing investigation into the collision, according to the sheriff's office.
The NTSB said Friday that two investigators were traveling to the crash site. Once the wreckage is documented, it will be recovered and moved to a secure facility for further examination.
Investigators will examine the pilots, aircraft and operating conditions, including flight tracking data, air traffic control communications, maintenance records, weather conditions and the pilots' flight experience.
They will also review witness statements, electronic devices and any available surveillance video, including doorbell camera footage.
The agency is asking anyone with information relevant to the collision to contact investigators at witness@ntsb.gov.
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The cause of the collision has not been determined.
The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days containing factual information gathered during the initial investigation.
A final report identifying the probable cause and any contributing factors is expected within 12 to 24 months.
