Jerry Trimble Helicopters is deeply saddened to confirm that one of our aircraft was involved in an aviation incident this afternoon, October 29, 2026, near McMinnville Municipal Airport,
the flight training company stated on social media as reported by USA Today.
Three people died on the afternoon of Oct. 29, 2026. Two helicopters collided in midair and crashed into a private farm field near the McMinnville Municipal Airport, southwest of Portland, Oregon, according to Fox News. The fatal crash involved a 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus AS350B3, also referred to in reports as an Airbus H125. Emergency crews responded to the scene following reports received shortly after 2:10 p.m. local time.
Three Die in Oregon Midair Collision
Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott identified the victims during a news conference. All three individuals aboard the two aircraft were killed.
The occupants of the Robinson R22 helicopter were 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo of Texas and a student pilot visiting from the United Kingdom. While the Federal Aviation Administration initially stated that only one person was aboard the Robinson aircraft, responding personnel subsequently clarified that two occupants were in the Robinson. The Federal Aviation Administration initially stated that two people were on the Airbus.
Responding personnel clarified that one person was in the Airbus. Authorities withheld the name of the British student pilot while working alongside the FBI and the British consulate to notify family members.
NTSB is investigating Thursday’s midair collision involving an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22 helicopter near McMinnville, Oregon.
Tyler Delane Sturdevant of nearby Newberg, Oregon, was 38 years old. He was the sole occupant and pilot of the Airbus helicopter.
Federal Investigators Examine Crash Site
Jerry Trimble Helicopters is an aviation school and flight training company based at the McMinnville airfield. The company confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the tragedy.
OR 233 is closed 1 mi. west of Dayton near the #McMinnvilleAirport due to an aircraft crash. This could be an extended closure. Use an alternate route. Slow down and move over for emergency responders. Visit https://t.co/bdyPuV2Ppi for updates.
The school offers services ranging from introductory demo flights to advanced instruction. It previously highlighted Aasbo’s progress as a new private pilot advancing into instrument training.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene to lead the ongoing inquiry into the collision, according to CBS News. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
McMinnville Municipal Airport Manager John Paskell noted that the incident happened off airport property and did not disrupt facility operations. The airport is situated on 650 acres with two paved runways and remained open without closures or restrictions.
Emergency Responders Close Local Roads
The Oregon Department of Transportation closed Oregon Route 233 about one mile west of Dayton. Officials also closed several nearby county roads at the request of emergency responders and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office.
Transportation officials warned motorists that closures could be extended. They advised drivers to utilize alternate routes while police, firefighters, and medical personnel worked around the wreckage scattered across the rural field.
Our hearts and thoughts are with the individuals involved,
News4JAX reported from the statement released by Jerry Trimble Helicopters.
Their families, and everyone affected by this event,
the statement added as federal investigators continue examining the site.