A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small Cessna airplane collided in midair Wednesday evening near Carlisle, killing the plane’s pilot and injuring two state troopers. The crash occurred at about 7:50 p.m. in central Pennsylvania, according to federal aviation officials. The troopers were taken to a hospital and are expected to recover, officials said. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration.
| 1) | Collision involving police helicopter and Cessna |
| 2) | Crash details and reported sequence of events |
| 3) | Pilot killed and troopers injured |
| 4) | Response from state officials |
| 5) | Federal investigation into the collision |
Collision involving police helicopter and Cessna
The aircraft involved were a Bell 407 helicopter operated by Pennsylvania State Police and a Cessna 150 small airplane. They collided at approximately 7:50 p.m. Wednesday in central Pennsylvania, near Carlisle, an area about 120 miles west of Philadelphia. The helicopter was carrying two state troopers, while officials said the Cessna was believed to have had only its pilot aboard.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, the helicopter was in a grassy area conducting routine training when it was struck by the airplane. The circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s positions and movements remain under investigation.
Crash details and reported sequence of events
Officials said the Cessna veered to the right shortly before the collision for an unknown reason. Bivens said the airplane struck the helicopter from behind, hitting both the tail rotor and the main rotor. The impact resulted in what he described as a violent crash.
“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,” George Bivens said.
The reported sequence provides an initial account from state officials, but it does not establish the cause of the collision. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight paths, communications and other available evidence.
Pilot killed and troopers injured
The sole known occupant of the Cessna died in the crash. Authorities said they believed the pilot was the only person inside the airplane, but the pilot’s identity was not provided in the available information.
The two troopers inside the helicopter were initially trapped after the crash but were able to get out. Both sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not detailed, but officials said they were expected to recover.
Response from state officials
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro addressed the condition of the troopers during a briefing after the accident. He said the two officers were injured but were expected to be okay. The governor also offered support to the troopers and their families.
“I’m pleased to say that after an aviation accident, two Pennsylvania State Troopers, while injured, are going to be okay,” Josh Shapiro said.
The crash prompted an official response involving state police, aviation authorities and emergency personnel. Further details about the crash scene and the condition of the troopers were not provided in the available account.
Federal investigation into the collision
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the midair collision. The Federal Aviation Administration will assist the safety board as investigators work to determine what happened and why the aircraft came into contact.
The investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances before the crash, including the reported change in the Cessna’s direction, the helicopter’s training activity and the aircraft’s points of impact. No final cause had been announced.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Bell 407 police helicopter and Cessna 150 collided near Carlisle at about 7:50 p.m. Wednesday. |
| 2 | The Cessna pilot died, and officials believed the pilot was the airplane’s only occupant. |
| 3 | Two state troopers were injured, hospitalized and expected to recover. |
| 4 | Officials said the Cessna veered right and struck the helicopter from behind. |
| 5 | The NTSB will lead the investigation with FAA assistance. |
Summary
The collision near Carlisle caused one death and injured two Pennsylvania State Police troopers. Officials provided an initial account of the crash but had not determined why the Cessna changed direction or how the aircraft entered the same flight path. The NTSB and FAA will examine the evidence before issuing findings on the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft were involved?
The aircraft were a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150 airplane.
Where and when did the collision occur?
The collision occurred at about 7:50 p.m. Wednesday near Carlisle in central Pennsylvania.
Who will investigate the crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration assisting.
