Precision instructor, student killed in rural Newberg helicopter crash
NEWBERG - Two people were killed shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday when a helicopter crashed in the area of North Valley and Dopp roads, in rural Newberg.
The 2004 Schweizer 300 c helicopter crashed in a field, touching off a wildland fire that was extinguished by Newberg Fire Department personnel, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.
There were only were two occupants on board. While they have not been officially identified, the Precision Aviation Training School of Newberg said on its Facebook page that the helicopter was on a "routine night training flight" with an instructor and student on board.
Precision posted a message that read in part:
"The coming days will be a difficult time for Precision staff and their families, and of course the family members of those who perished.
"We ask for your cooperation and understanding as we work through the processes and seek to understand more about what happened and what may have caused it.
"To that end, it is very important that we do not speculate what may have caused the accident and what happened in the aftermath, and let due process figure it out."
Precision said it has not experienced an incident of this magnitude or a fatality since the company began operations in 1983.
"We must now rely on each other's strength to get us through the days ahead and in particular be there to support the family members of those involved. Our deepest condolences to the families and friends effected by this tragedy."
The scene was secured overnight by the sheriff's office pending further investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, which is expected to have officials on scene Thursday.
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