The crash killed 22-year-old Maddie Aasbo, a Texas flight instructor; 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant, a pilot from Oregon; and a student pilot from the United Kingdom, whose name has not been released, Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott said during a news conference.
Emergency crews responded on Thursday afternoon following reports of a crash near McMinnville Airport, southwest of Portland, according to the sheriff's office.
By Thursday evening, officials were continuing their recovery efforts.
Photos posted by the sheriff's department show a green helicopter smashed upside down in a field, while a red helicopter lies crumpled and in pieces.
One of the aircraft came from the aviation school Jerry Trimble Helicopters, which is at the airport.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with the individuals involved, their families, and everyone affected by this event," the school said in a statement posted on social media.
The school, which offers everything from demo flights for first-time flyers to advanced training, said it is cooperating with law enforcement along with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board to secure the site and determine the cause of the collision.
The FAA said the collision was between a Robinson R22 and an Airbus H125.
Two people were on board the Robinson and the Airbus was carrying just the pilot, according to the sheriff.
The Oregon Department of Transportation said part of Highway 233 was closed because of the crash.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate.
The R22 is a two-seat aircraft and the H125 can carry up to six passengers, depending on the configuration.
19°C