Three people were killed on October 29, 2026, when two helicopters collided in midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon. The aircraft crashed into a field off Oregon Route 233, about one mile west of Dayton, prompting the closure of nearby roads. Federal and local authorities identified the victims and began an investigation into the cause of the collision.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are examining the aircraft, pilots, flight operations and surrounding conditions. The airport remained open because the crash occurred away from airport property.
| 1) | Collision and emergency response |
| 2) | Victims identified by authorities |
| 3) | Location and airport operations |
| 4) | Investigators examine flight circumstances |
| 5) | Reports and next steps |
Collision and emergency response
The collision involved a Robinson R22 Beta and an Airbus AS350B2, also identified as an H125. The FAA placed the crash at about 2:15 p.m. local time, while the NTSB said it occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. Both helicopters went down in a field, and emergency responders arrived as authorities closed a nearby highway and county roads.
The NTSB said the Airbus was conducting a maintenance flight and the Robinson was being used for an instructional flight. All three people aboard the two aircraft died. The cause of the midair collision had not been established.
Victims identified by authorities
The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office identified the two people aboard the Robinson helicopter as 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo of Texas and 31-year-old student pilot Christopher James Joughin of the United Kingdom. Authorities confirmed Joughin’s identity on October 30 after initially withholding his name while relatives were notified.
The sole occupant of the Airbus helicopter was identified as 38-year-old Tyler Delane Sturdevant of Newberg, Oregon. The sheriff’s office confirmed that all three occupants died in the crash.
Location and airport operations
The wreckage was found off Oregon Route 233, roughly one mile west of Dayton and near McMinnville Municipal Airport. Oregon transportation officials said the highway and some nearby county roads were closed at the request of emergency personnel, with no estimated reopening time initially available.
Airport manager John Paskell said the crash occurred outside airport property and did not interrupt airport operations. The airport remained open without closures or restrictions. Paskell said both helicopters were understood to be based at the airport, but he could not confirm their specific activities or explain how the collision occurred.
Investigators examine flight circumstances
The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation with assistance from local authorities. The NTSB said two investigators were traveling to the site, where they would document the wreckage before it was recovered and moved to a secure facility for further examination.
Investigators are expected to review flight tracking data, air traffic control communications, maintenance records, weather conditions and the pilots’ experience. They will also examine witness accounts, electronic devices and available surveillance footage, including possible doorbell-camera video. The NTSB asked people with relevant information to contact its investigators at witness@ntsb.gov.
Reports and next steps
The NTSB expects to issue a preliminary report within 30 days. That document is expected to present factual information collected during the initial investigation and is not expected to determine the probable cause.
A final report identifying the probable cause and any contributing factors is expected within 12 to 24 months. Until that work is complete, authorities have not attributed responsibility or identified a confirmed operational, mechanical or weather-related factor in the collision.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Three people died in the collision near McMinnville Municipal Airport. |
| 2 | The aircraft were a Robinson R22 Beta and an Airbus AS350B2. |
| 3 | The victims included a flight instructor, a student pilot and a maintenance-flight occupant. |
| 4 | The FAA and NTSB are investigating, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. |
Summary
The fatal collision near Dayton involved two helicopters operating on different types of flights. Authorities have identified all three victims, while investigators continue to collect evidence from the aircraft, flight records and witnesses. The airport was not closed because the crash occurred off airport property. The cause will not be determined until the formal investigation is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the helicopter collision occur?
It occurred in a field off Oregon Route 233, about one mile west of Dayton and near McMinnville Municipal Airport.
How many people were killed?
Three people died. Two were aboard the Robinson R22 Beta, and one was aboard the Airbus AS350B2.
What is the status of the investigation?
The FAA and NTSB are investigating. A preliminary factual report is expected within 30 days, while a final report is expected within 12 to 24 months.
