Three people died when two helicopters collided Thursday afternoon near a small airport southwest of Portland, Oregon, prompting authorities to close part of Highway 233 as federal investigators took over the crash investigation.
Responders found a 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and a 2018 Airbus AS350B3 helicopter near Southeast Amity-Dayton Highway, also known as Highway 233, and Southeast Cruickshank Road.
Two people were aboard the Robinson, and one was aboard the Airbus. Medical personnel and law enforcement officers confirmed that all three had died.
The Robinson’s occupants included flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. Authorities withheld the student’s name while arrangements were being made to notify the family.
Authorities identified the Airbus pilot as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg.
Sheriff Sam Elliott said authorities were working through a consulate and the FBI to reach the British student’s family, he confirmed during a news conference. The families of Aasbo and Sturdevant had been notified.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) personnel arrived at the scene and assumed responsibility for investigating the crash.
Elliott said local authorities had no preliminary information explaining what caused the collision. He referred questions about the circumstances to federal investigators.
“We are currently securing the scene and maintaining that scene for the investigation for the FAA and the NTSB,” he said.
Recovery work was continuing when Elliott addressed reporters. He described the crash site as a private farm field in a rural part of the county.
A section of Highway 233 remained closed while responders worked. In its initial announcement, the sheriff’s office also asked people to avoid the surrounding area.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the individuals involved, their families, and everyone affected by this event,” the school said.
The company said it was cooperating with emergency management officials, law enforcement, and both federal aviation agencies to secure the location and establish what happened.
The school also thanked emergency crews for their response and requested patience and privacy for those affected.
