S. MIDDLETON TWP., Pa. – Gov. Josh Shapiro confirmed that two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured in a Wednesday night aircraft crash, but they are expected to recover.
A small airplane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter collided in mid-air at the Carlisle Airport in Cumberland County shortly before 7 p.m., according to officials.
Shapiro held a press conference in Dauphin County late Wednesday night, speaking from Penn State Hershey S. Medical Center, where he said Corp. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills were being treated. Shapiro said they are part of an elite aviation unit with the Pennsylvania State Police.
WATCH: Gov. Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania State Police deliver an update on a crash between a state police helicopter and a plane. The plane pilot was killed, but two state police troopers survived.
Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, the acting commissioner of the PSP, shared details known so far about what led to the crash. He said at about 6:30 p.m., the PSP helicopter crew was conducting routine training exercises. At around 6:52 p.m., the helicopter was hovering several feet above a grassy area near a runway when a small, two-seat Cessna aircraft approached it from behind and came down toward the runway near the grassy area. The Cessna suddenly veered to the right and struck the helicopter from the rear, Bivens said.
Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens.
Commonwealth Media Services
The plane hit the rear tail rotor of the helicopter and went into its main rotor, resulting in a “very violent crash,” Bivens said. The plane crashed into the ground “in many pieces,” he said, while the helicopter rolled inverted and crashed onto its side and partially onto its roof. Both Corman and Mills were initially trapped in the helicopter, but Corman was able to push out a window and pull out Mills, who he believed had more serious injuries and bleeding, Bivens said.
The pilot of the plane did not survive the crash. The pilot’s name is not being released until next-of-kin is notified. When asked if there were other occupants of the plane, Bivens said the investigation will need to confirm, given the extent and condition of the plane debris.
Dr. Ashley Ludwig, trauma medical doctor at Penn State Health, said both troopers sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition. She said one of them possibly would be discharged Wednesday night, while the other was being admitted for observation.
Dr. Ashley Ludwig, Penn State Health.
Commonwealth Media Services
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.