Two helicopters collided Thursday afternoon near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon, killing all three people aboard, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. The NTSB identified the aircraft as an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and a Robinson R22. The Robinson carried a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas, Maddie Aasbo, and a student pilot from the U.K. Tyler Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, was in the Airbus. A witness on a barn roof saw the collision and called 911.
Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a flight training company, confirmed one of its aircraft was involved. The crash remains under investigation, and the NTSB will examine factors like altitude, radio communication, and see-and-avoid procedures at and around the field.
For Suncoast listeners, the story resonates. Our region hosts heavy flight training out of Venice, Sarasota, and Punta Gorda, and winter brings snowbird traffic and more aircraft in the same airspace. Midair collisions are rare, but they put a spotlight on traffic awareness at smaller airports. Do you live or fly near a local airfield? Share your perspective in the comments.
