A fatal midair collision occurred Wednesday evening in central Pennsylvania, involving a state police helicopter and a light aircraft. The incident, which took place near Carlisle Airport, resulted in the death of the small plane's pilot and caused injuries to two Pennsylvania State Police troopers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150 airplane collided around 7:50 p.m. local time. The location of the crash is approximately 120 miles west of Philadelphia.
Details of the Collision
According to Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, the police helicopter was conducting routine training exercises in a grassy area adjacent to Carlisle Airport when the collision took place.
Lt. Col. Bivens described the sequence of events at a news briefing, stating,
"The Cessna plane, for an unknown reason, veered to the right at the last moment, struck the helicopter from the rear, hit the tail rotor and the main rotor, resulting in a violent crash."
The sole occupant of the Cessna aircraft, believed to be the pilot, did not survive the impact. "The one known occupant of the Cessna did not survive the crash. We believe only the pilot was in the Cessna," Bivens confirmed.
Both state troopers aboard the helicopter were initially trapped inside the wreckage before managing to exit. They sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital, though they are expected to make a full recovery.
Governor Josh Shapiro provided an update on the troopers' condition, expressing relief.
"I’m pleased to say that after an aviation accident, two Pennsylvania State Troopers, while injured, are going to be okay," he stated during the news briefing.
Earlier, the governor had conveyed his thoughts on social media, writing,
"Lori and I are praying hard and we ask all of our fellow Pennsylvanians to join us."
Investigation Underway
The precise circumstances leading to the midair collision are currently under investigation. Federal authorities have not yet determined a probable cause for the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the comprehensive investigation into the crash, with assistance from the FAA.
