A midair collision involving a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small aircraft has left the pilot of the plane dead and two state troopers injured.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, August 19, near Carlisle Airport in central Pennsylvania.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150 aircraft collided at approximately 7:50 p.m.
Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens said the police helicopter was carrying out routine training near a grassy area at Carlisle Airport when the collision happened.
He said the Cessna aircraft suddenly veered to the right before striking the helicopter from behind, hitting both the tail and main rotors.
“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” Bivens said at a news briefing.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and federal authorities have yet to determine its probable cause.
Pilot Dies, Two Troopers Injured
Bivens confirmed that the sole occupant of the Cessna aircraft died in the crash.
“The one known occupant of the Cessna did not survive the crash. We believe only the pilot was in the Cessna,” he said.
The two state troopers aboard the helicopter were initially trapped following the collision but were eventually able to escape.
They sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said both troopers are expected to recover.
“I’m pleased to say that after an aviation accident, two Pennsylvania State Troopers, while injured, are going to be okay,” he said during the news briefing.
Earlier, the governor also expressed concern and offered prayers for the injured officers and those affected by the crash.
“Lori and I are praying hard and we ask all of our fellow Pennsylvanians to join us,” he wrote on social media.