source: abcnews
A small airplane struck a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter in midair near Carlisle Airport on Wednesday evening, killing the pilot of the plane and injuring two troopers aboard the helicopter.
Both troopers are expected to recover.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the collision involved a Cessna 150 and a Bell 407 helicopter.
It occurred around 7:50 p.m. local time near the Cumberland Valley community of Carlisle, roughly 120 miles west of Philadelphia.
Governor Josh Shapiro traveled to the scene and later spoke at a press conference held at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
What Happened in the Moments Before the Collision
According to ABC News, Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Col. George Bivens told reporters that the Bell 407 was hovering several feet above a grassy area beside the runway, conducting a training exercise, when the Cessna approached from behind.
The plane veered sharply to the right and struck the helicopter from the rear in what Bivens described as a very violent crash.
The Cessna came apart in multiple pieces after impact. The helicopter lost its rotor blades and rolled onto its side after hitting the ground. Both troopers were initially trapped inside the wreckage.
Who Was Injured and Who Was Killed
Shapiro identified the two injured troopers as Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, as reported by ABC News. Authorities believe the pilot of the Cessna was its sole occupant.
The pilot’s identity had not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Shapiro told reporters that the night could have been far worse. Cumberland County Coroner Charles Hall confirmed his office responded to the scene, according to 6abc.
Governor Shapiro’s Response
Shapiro posted on X shortly after the crash that he had been briefed on the incident and was en route to Carlisle.
He asked fellow Pennsylvanians to keep those involved in their thoughts, and later confirmed at the medical center press conference that both troopers were expected to make full recoveries.
Federal Investigation Under Way
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the formal investigation into the crash, with the FAA assisting, according to CBS News.
FAA representatives arrived at the crash site Wednesday night, and NTSB investigators were expected overnight. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Samantha Krepps, a Cumberland County spokesperson, confirmed to CBS News that the helicopter belonged to Pennsylvania State Police.