CARLISLE, Pa. — Federal investigators announced Friday that they have recovered intact flight‑data cards from both the state police Bell 407 helicopter and the Cessna 150 that collided Wednesday night at the small airport in Carlisle, about 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The recovery, described by National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator‑in‑charge Aaron McCarter as “very good news from a data standpoint,” provides the first solid clues about the fatal accident.
What the cards may reveal
Neither aircraft is required to carry a cockpit‑voice recorder, a device typically found on larger commercial planes. However, the data cards contain robust flight‑parameter information that can show altitude, speed, heading, and control inputs at the moments leading up to the crash. McCarter said the exact contents of the cards are still being identified, but historically such records have helped investigators reconstruct the sequence of events in similar accidents.
Details of the collision
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Bell 407 helicopter was conducting a training exercise, hovering over a grassy area beside the runway. The Cessna 150, piloted by 57‑year‑old Paul William Sokoloski, was attempting to land when it veered to the side and struck the rear of the hovering helicopter. The impact caused both aircraft to break apart and fall to the ground.
McCarter noted that the helicopter was approximately 30 to 50 feet from the runway when the Cessna approached. At that point, the plane appeared “out of control.” The crash killed the Cessna pilot and injured two occupants of the helicopter. Both helicopter pilots—Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills—were trapped until one managed to push out a window. Corman has since been released from the hospital, while Mills continues to recover with a good prognosis, Governor Josh Shapiro reported.
Investigation steps
The wreckage of both aircraft has been salvaged and will be transported to a Delaware facility for detailed examination. Over the weekend, investigators will analyze the recovered data cards while also reviewing other evidence, such as maintenance records and air‑traffic communications.
McCarter indicated that both pilots were flight instructors. He also said there is “strong evidence” the Cessna pilot was aware of the helicopter’s presence, noting that the aircraft’s flight path was unusual and that the pilot had performed maintenance on the Cessna shortly before takeoff.
Community impact
The crash has shocked the Carlisle community, where the small airport serves general‑aviation pilots and local law‑enforcement training. Residents expressed concern for the families of the victims and gratitude for the swift response of emergency crews. Local officials emphasized the importance of thorough investigation to prevent future accidents and to maintain confidence in the airport’s safety procedures.
As the NTSB continues its work, the recovered data cards represent the most promising source of factual information to answer lingering questions about why the Cessna clipped the helicopter during takeoff. The agency’s findings will be shared with the public once the analysis is complete.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
