MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — A Newberg resident and two others died after two helicopters crashed into each other midair east of the McMinnville Municipal Airport Thursday afternoon.
Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott at a Thursday evening press conference stated that they received reports around 2 p.m. of the collision near Lafayette Highway and Southeast Stringtown Road southeast of McMinnville.
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The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board first reported that the collision was between a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125.
Jerry Trimble Helicopters of McMinnville reported Thursday evening that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash. The company’s website lists several R22 crafts in its fleet.
According to The Associated Press, the FAA initially reported there was a pilot in the R22 and two passengers in the H125; however, Elliott stated that the preliminary investigation report he received stated there were two in the Trimble aircraft and one in the other.
Elliott stated the pilot of the Airbus H125 was Tyler Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg. According to Elliott’s preliminary report, the R22 was carrying Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas, a flight instructor, and an unnamed student pilot from the United Kingdom. Elliott said they are working with the consulate and the FBI to notify the family of the individual from the United Kingdom, while families of the other two have been notified.
According to Sturdevant’s LinkedIn account, he was director of operations of McMinnville-based Precision aviation company from 2006 to 2020, and he was a check airman with Precision for the last six years and has been a designated pilot examiner for the FAA for four years.
“There are still ongoing recovery efforts going on at the scene, and I will not be able to share any further details related to the investigation of the crash itself, as that will be up to the FAA,” Elliott said.
About five miles of the Amity-Dayton Highway is closed west of Dayton. Responders from the sheriff’s office, the McMinnville Police Department and the Oregon State Police also closed parts of Airport, Cruikshank, Stringtown and Starr Quarry roads during their initial response. The Oregon Department of Transportation advised drivers to expect a lengthy closure.
In a media release, Jerry Trimble Helicopters stated it is “deeply saddened to confirm that one of our aircraft was involved in an aviation incident this afternoon. … Our hearts and thoughts are with the individuals involved, their families, and everyone affected by this event.”
In an August 2025 Facebook post, the helicopter company said Aasbo was a new private pilot going into instrument training.
The company thanked the rapid response of emergency services responding to the crash and said it is fully cooperating with federal agencies to secure the site and determine a cause.
“We ask for the public’s patience and respect for the privacy of those involved as we work alongside investigative authorities to gather verified information,” the company stated.
Trimble Aviation became the fixed-base operator at the airport earlier this year.
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