Pilot killed, two Pennsylvania troopers injured after plane, helicopter crash at Carlisle Airport
CARLISLE, Pa. —
A small airplane collided with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter at Carlisle Airport on Wednesday evening, killing the airplane’s pilot and injuring two state troopers, according to officials.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens delivered an update on the aircraft collision.
Video below: Watch the full press conference.
Airplane pilot killed, officials say
A Cessna 150 airplane and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter collided in midair around 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The troopers were conducting a routine training exercise when the approaching Cessna veered into the helicopter, resulting in what Bivens described as a violent crash. He stated that the crash left the helicopter without its top and rear rotors, trapping both troopers inside.
Authorities believe the pilot was the only person aboard the Cessna. Their identity has not yet been released.
Troopers’ conditions
State police and other emergency responders arrived at the airport shortly after the collision. Shapiro credited their rapid response with saving the troopers’ lives.
Shapiro identified the injured troopers:
Cpl. Bryce Korman Trp. Jason Mills
Hershey Medical Center Dr. Ashley Ludwig said the troopers suffered minor injuries and are stable. One was expected to be released later that night, while officials said the other remained hospitalized for observation.
“Tonight could have been much worse,” Shapiro said. “Tonight could have been much more tragic for our state police family.”
Federal investigation underway
The Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the scene Wednesday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the cause of the collision.
Witnesses describe the collision
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing debris from the two aircraft scattered across the ground. One witness said she saw an injured person placed on a stretcher and transported from the scene by Life Lion.
Jamie Luster, who was near the airport at the time of the collision, said aircraft activity is common in the area.
“I’m here six days a week, and we’re so used to helicopters and life flights and everything flying in,” Luster said. “So, this was like nothing out of the ordinary until we heard the crash. A lot of the kids, unfortunately, witnessed it, and it’s pretty sad.”
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HIA operations not impacted
The collision did not affect operations at Harrisburg International Airport, according to airport spokesperson Scott Miller.
“Operations were not impacted by the crash,” Miller said.
Video below: Reporter AJ Sisson reports on airplane, helicopter midair crash
Previous crashes at Carlisle Airport
The National Transportation Safety Board has investigated four crashes at Carlisle Airport since 2019. No injuries were reported in three of those crashes.
The most recent crash involving injuries occurred in October 2020. According to the NTSB, the pilot crashed while attempting to land in gusty wind conditions.
October 2020 crash at Carlisle Airport
October 2020 crash at Carlisle Airport