Maddie Aasbo McMinnville, Oregon Obituary Death: Three Killed in Mid-Air Helicopter Collision Near McMinnville

The aviation community and residents near McMinnville, Oregon, are mourning after a mid-air collision between two helicopters claimed three lives on Thursday afternoon, October 29, 2026. Among those killed was Maddie Aasbo, a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas.

The collision occurred in Yamhill County, southeast of McMinnville Municipal Airport. Authorities also identified the other victims as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom whose name had not been released pending notification of family members.

The fatal crash has prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The cause remains undetermined.

What Happened Near McMinnville?

According to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received reports of a helicopter collision at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, October 29.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Southeast Amity-Dayton Highway, also known as Highway 233, and Southeast Cruickshank Road, southeast of McMinnville Municipal Airport.

Responding deputies and emergency personnel located the wreckage of two helicopters in an agricultural field beside the highway. Authorities confirmed that all three people aboard the aircraft had died.

The collision involved a Robinson R22 helicopter carrying two occupants and an Airbus helicopter from the AS350 family carrying one person. The aircraft came down in the field following the mid-air impact.

The incident prompted an emergency response involving the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, McMinnville Police Department, and Oregon State Police.

Maddie Aasbo Identified Among the Victims

Authorities identified Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas, as one of the people killed in the collision. She was working as a flight instructor and was aboard the Robinson R22 with a student pilot from the United Kingdom.

The student pilot also died. Officials withheld the student’s identity while working to notify family members.

Aasbo’s death represents a profound loss for those who knew her and for the aviation community connected to flight training. Her role as an instructor placed her in a profession built around teaching, preparation, and helping others develop the skills needed to fly safely.

Further personal details about her family, education, aviation experience, and life outside flying had not been established in the public information available for this report. Additional information from relatives or people who knew her may provide a fuller account of her life and legacy.

Tyler Delane Sturdevant Also Killed

The third victim was identified as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon. Authorities said he was the sole occupant and pilot of the second helicopter, an Airbus AS350-series aircraft.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that Sturdevant died at the scene along with Aasbo and the student pilot.

The loss of both pilots and the student has left families and friends facing an especially difficult tragedy. The investigation will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision, but officials have not assigned responsibility or identified a cause.

Helicopters Involved in the Collision

Authorities identified the aircraft as a 1995 Robinson R22 and a 2018 Airbus AS350B3. The Robinson carried Aasbo and the student pilot, while Sturdevant was alone aboard the Airbus.

One of the helicopters was associated with Jerry Trimble Helicopters, an aviation training and flight services company based at McMinnville Municipal Airport. The company confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved and said it was cooperating with authorities.

The company also expressed sympathy for the people involved, their families, and everyone affected by the incident.

FAA and NTSB Investigation

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the collision. Their work is expected to include documenting the wreckage, examining the aircraft, reviewing available flight information, and evaluating the circumstances leading up to the impact.

At this stage, investigators have not announced a definitive cause. There is no confirmed finding that mechanical problems, weather, pilot actions, or any particular operational factor contributed to the crash.

The investigation will be important in determining how two helicopters came into collision and what circumstances preceded the fatal impact. Until official findings are released, speculation about responsibility or the cause should be avoided.

Road Closures and Emergency Response

The crash also affected traffic in the area. Highway 233 and nearby roads were closed while emergency personnel secured the scene and investigators began their work.

Authorities urged the public to stay away from the crash location so responders could carry out recovery and investigative operations. McMinnville Municipal Airport was reported to have remained open during the initial response.

Remembering Those Lost

The deaths of Maddie Aasbo, Tyler Delane Sturdevant, and the student pilot have brought grief to families, friends, colleagues, and members of the aviation community.

For Aasbo, the public record identifies her as a young flight instructor whose life ended while she was aboard an instructional flight. More details about her personal story may emerge as loved ones share memories and tributes.

For now, the confirmed facts remain that three people died when two helicopters collided near McMinnville on October 29, 2026. The FAA and NTSB investigation continues, and the cause has not yet been determined. The thoughts of the community remain with everyone affected by this tragedy.