Three people were killed when two helicopters collided into each other in mid-air over Oregon on Thursday afternoon.
A 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and a 2018 Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter crashed just before 2.15pm, Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliot said at an evening press conference.
The two helicopters then went down in a privately owned farm field on Southeast Highway 154 and Stringtown Road near McMinnville Municipal Airport.
One witness told Fox 12 he was standing on the roof of a nearby barn when he saw the helicopters collide and hit the ground just outside the perimeter of the airport. At that point, the witness said he immediately called 911.
Photos from the scene showed a red helicopter smashed in pieces in the middle of a field, as a smaller white helicopter was left mangled nearby.
When authorities responded to the scene, they found the two occupants of the Robinson helicopter and the pilot of the Airbus AS350 B3 dead at the scene.
Among the victims are flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas and Tyler Sturdevant, 38, of Oregon. An unnamed British helicopter student was also killed.
'Yamhill County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to the families and friends of Ms Aasbo and Mr Sturdevant,' the sheriff's department said in a statement.
A 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and a 2018 Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter crashed just before 2.15pm on Thursday
Photos from the scene showed a red helicopter smashed in pieces in the middle of a field, as a smaller white helicopter was left mangled nearby
One of the crashed helicopters is pictured in the distance
In a separate statement, McMinnville-based Jerry Trimble Helicopters confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.
'Our hearts and thoughts are with the individuals involved, their families and everyone affected by this event,' it said.
'We are immensely grateful for the rapid response and dedication of local emergency services and first responders.'
The company added that it is 'fully cooperating with local emergency management, law enforcement, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to secure the site and determine the cause of the incident.
'We ask for the public's patience and respect for privacy of those involved as we work alongside investigating authorities to gather verified information.'
The crash occurred near McMinnville Municipal Airport (pictured)
Following the crash, the Oregon Department of Transportation warned motorists that all lanes of Route 223 were closed one mile west of Dayton.
'This could be an extended closure,' it posted. 'Use an alternate route.'
A source at the McMinnville Fire District told the Daily Mail that all of its crews had rushed to the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are now investigating the crash.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.