British Aviation Student Identified as Third Victim in Oregon Helicopter Crash
Christopher James Joughin, 31, was a passenger in one of the two helicopters that collided mid-air near McMinnville Municipal Airport.
The third victim of a deadly mid-air helicopter collision in Oregon has been identified as 31-year-old British aviation student Christopher James Joughin. Joughin was in the cockpit of one of the two helicopters when it collided with another aircraft on Thursday near the McMinnville Municipal Airport, according to National Transportation Safety Board officials.
The impact caused the helicopter Joughin was in to plunge approximately 500 feet to the ground. He was reportedly traveling with flight instructor Maddie Aasbo. Joughin's identity was initially withheld as authorities worked to contact his family in Zimbabwe.
The cause of the crash and the intended destinations of the pilots remain unclear. Officials noted that the McMinnville Municipal Airport relies on pilot self-reporting rather than traditional air traffic control units for managing operations.