Maddie Aasbo, Tyler Sturdevant and an Unidentified Student Pilot Among Three Lives Lost in Oregon Helicopter Tragedy.
A heartbreaking aviation tragedy has claimed the lives of 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo, 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant, and an unidentified student pilot from the United Kingdom after two helicopters collided mid-air near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon on Thursday afternoon, October 29, 2026. Their sudden deaths have left families grieving and the aviation community mourning three precious lives lost far too soon.
The devastating collision occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m., when a Robinson R22 and an Airbus AS350 collided while airborne before crashing into a privately owned farmland near McMinnville, about 40 miles southwest of Portland.
Maddie Aasbo, a flight instructor from Texas, was among those who perished. Tyler Sturdevant, a pilot from Newberg, Oregon, also lost his life. The third victim, a student pilot from the United Kingdom, has not been publicly identified as authorities work to notify the family.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but tragically, nobody survived. Nearby Highway 233 was closed as recovery operations and investigations continued.
Jerry Trimble Helicopters confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved and expressed heartfelt condolences to everyone affected.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations to establish what caused the devastating collision. The cause remains unknown.
Today, three dreams have been silenced, three journeys have ended, and countless hearts have been left broken.
May their memories forever remain a source of comfort to those who loved them. May their families find strength through this unimaginable loss.
Gone from this world, but never forgotten. Rest peacefully, Maddie, Tyler, and the student pilot.
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