Crime & Safety
Oregon Helicopter Crash Update: 3 Dead, Victims Identified
McMinnville, OR – Three people are dead following a collision involving two helicopters southeast of McMinnville, Oregon, Thursday afternoon, October 29. Authorities have identified two victims, inclu
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-30T10:37:55.878Z
McMinnville, OR – Three people are dead following a collision involving two helicopters southeast of McMinnville, Oregon, Thursday afternoon, October 29. Authorities have identified two victims, including a 22 year old flight instructor, as federal investigators work to determine what caused the deadly crash.
According to the Yamhill County Sheriff 's Office, witnesses reported the collision at approximately 2:10 p.m. Thursday near Southeast Amity Dayton Highway Highway 233 and Southeast Cruickshank Road in Yamhill County, southwest of the Portland metropolitan area.
Emergency responders discovered two heavily damaged helicopters in a field adjacent to Highway 233.
Two Helicopters, Three Fatalities
Investigators identified the aircraft as a 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and a 2018 Airbus AS350B3 helicopter.
Authorities confirmed that two people were aboard the Robinson helicopter, while one person occupied the Airbus. All three were pronounced dead.
The Robinson occupants included Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas , who was serving as a flight instructor, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom.
Officials have withheld the student pilot's identity pending notification of next of kin.
The sole occupant of the Airbus was identified as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon .
Federal Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board responded to the crash scene and are leading the investigation.
Investigators have not publicly established what caused the helicopters to collide.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, including aircraft operations and other available evidence.
The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to the victims' families and friends.
Additional information about the crash and the investigation may be released as federal authorities continue their work.