Pilot Dies After Small Plane Collides With Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter

CARLISLE, Pa. — A small airplane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter collided near Carlisle Airport Wednesday evening, killing the airplane’s pilot and injuring two state troopers aboard the helicopter, authorities said.

The collision happened during a police training exercise involving a Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150 aircraft. Both troopers aboard the helicopter survived and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Officials said their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Two Troopers Injured

The injured officers were identified as Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills.

Authorities said both were initially trapped after the helicopter crashed and rolled onto its side. Corman was able to escape through a window and then helped Mills get out of the wreckage.

Both were transported to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Doctors said they were in stable condition, with one expected to be released shortly after the crash and the other remaining for observation.

Plane Pilot Dies

The Cessna 150’s pilot was the aircraft’s only known occupant and died in the crash.

Authorities have not yet publicly released the pilot’s name, pending notification of relatives. Investigators were still working to confirm the circumstances surrounding the flight.

According to Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner George Bivens, the helicopter was hovering only several feet above a grassy area next to a runway when the Cessna approached.

Bivens said the airplane appeared to veer sharply to the right before striking the helicopter from behind. The impact caused both aircraft to crash.

Investigation Underway

The crash occurred at Carlisle Airport, which does not have an air-traffic-control tower. Pilots operating there coordinate their movements using a shared radio frequency.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the collision. Authorities have not yet determined why the airplane veered toward the helicopter or whether any other factors contributed to the accident.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the situation could have been far worse and praised the first responders and medical personnel who assisted after the crash.

As investigators begin examining the wreckage and reconstructing the aircrafts’ movements, officials are expected to provide additional information about what led to the unusual midair collision.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.