McMinnville Helicopter Crash – Three Killed in Mid-Air Collision Involving Two Aircraft in Oregon
Three people, including flight instructor Maddie Aasbo and pilot Tyler Delane Sturdevant, were killed in a mid-air helicopter collision near McMinnville, Oregon, on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The crash occurred in Yamhill County, where both helicopters came down in an agricultural field.
According to the supplied account, the collision happened at approximately 2:10 p.m. near Southeast Amity-Dayton Highway (Highway 233) and Southeast Cruickshank Road. All three occupants died at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the fatal incident. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the two helicopters to collide.
Three People Killed in McMinnville Helicopter Collision
The deadly incident involved two helicopters that reportedly collided in mid-air before crashing into an agricultural field near McMinnville.
The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office identified the aircraft as a 1995 Robinson R22 and a 2018 Airbus AS350B3. Two people were aboard the Robinson R22, while the Airbus AS350B3 carried one occupant.
All three people aboard the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the supplied information.
The victims included 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo of Texas, 38-year-old Tyler Delane Sturdevant of Newberg, Oregon, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom whose name had not been released pending notification of family members.
The collision has brought sadness to the victims' families and people connected to the aviation and flight-training communities.
Remembering Maddie Aasbo, 22
Maddie Aasbo, 22, was identified as a certified flight instructor from Texas. She was aboard the Robinson R22 with the student pilot when the collision occurred.
As a flight instructor, Aasbo worked in an environment centered on aviation knowledge, training, and helping others develop their flying skills. Her death represents a significant loss for those who knew her and the aviation community.
Further details about her family, personal background, and memorial arrangements were not included in the information provided.
Remembering Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38
Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon, was identified as the sole occupant of the 2018 Airbus AS350B3 helicopter.
His death has left family members, friends, and others who knew him grieving. However, additional information about his personal life and aviation background has not been established in the supplied material.
Further personal details should be included only when confirmed by relatives or an authoritative source.
Third Victim Was a Student Pilot From the United Kingdom
The third person killed in the collision was described as a student pilot from the United Kingdom. The student was receiving flight instruction aboard the Robinson R22 with Aasbo.
Authorities had not released the student's identity because family notification was still pending, according to the supplied account.
The student's name and personal background should remain undisclosed until an official announcement or confirmation from the family becomes available.
Aircraft Involved in the Yamhill County Crash
The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office identified the two helicopters involved as:
- 1995 Robinson R22: Two occupants were aboard, including flight instructor Maddie Aasbo and the student pilot.
- 2018 Airbus AS350B3: Tyler Delane Sturdevant was the sole occupant.
Both aircraft reportedly crashed into an agricultural field after the mid-air collision. All three occupants died.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Their work may involve examining aircraft wreckage, flight information, operational records, and other available evidence.
No official explanation has been announced for how or why the helicopters collided. It would be premature to attribute the crash to pilot actions, mechanical problems, weather, or any other specific factor before investigators release their findings.
McMinnville Helicopter Crash: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Mid-air collision involving two helicopters |
| Date | October 29, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 2:10 p.m. local time |
| Location | Near Highway 233 and SE Cruickshank Road, Yamhill County, Oregon |
| Fatalities | Three |
| Maddie Aasbo | 22, flight instructor from Texas |
| Tyler Delane Sturdevant | 38, pilot from Newberg, Oregon |
| Third victim | Student pilot from the United Kingdom |
| Aircraft | 1995 Robinson R22 and 2018 Airbus AS350B3 |
| Investigating agencies | FAA and NTSB |
| Cause | Undetermined; investigation ongoing |
| Funeral arrangements | Not confirmed |
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Maddie Aasbo, Tyler Delane Sturdevant, and the third victim had not been confirmed in the information provided.
Families and authorized representatives may share further details about services and tributes when they are ready. Until then, their privacy should be respected as they cope with the loss.
Investigation Into Fatal Oregon Helicopter Crash Continues
The October 29 collision near McMinnville claimed three lives and has prompted an investigation by federal aviation authorities. The victims included a flight instructor, a pilot, and a student pilot who was receiving instruction.
While authorities have identified two of the deceased, the third victim's name remained withheld pending family notification. The official cause of the collision has also not been established.
The FAA and NTSB investigation is expected to provide further information about the circumstances surrounding the crash as evidence is examined.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied information attributed to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and published reporting. Victim details and aircraft information are presented as reported in that material. The third victim's identity remains undisclosed, and the cause of the collision has not been determined. Further details should be confirmed through official updates from investigating authorities.
