CARLISLE, Pennsylvania – A tragic midair collision occurred Wednesday evening at Carlisle Regional Airport when a Cessna 150 struck a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter during a routine training exercise. The accident resulted in the death of the airplane’s pilot and injuries to two State Police troopers.
Details of the collision
At approximately 6:50 p.m., the police helicopter was hovering a few feet above a grassy area next to a runway. According to investigators, a Cessna 150 approached from behind, veered sharply to the right at the last moment, and impacted the helicopter’s rear tail rotor before entering the main rotor disc. Acting Police Commissioner Col. George Bivens described the crash as “very violent” and noted that the helicopter crew would not have been able to see the approaching airplane.
The Cessna crashed a short distance away, breaking into multiple pieces. The sole occupant, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was killed on impact.
Trooper injuries and response
The helicopter lost its blades and tail boom, rolled over, and came to rest on its side and partially on its roof. Both troopers, Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills of the Pennsylvania State Police aviation unit, were initially trapped inside. Corporal Corman managed to push open a window, allowing Trooper Mills—who suffered more serious injuries and significant bleeding—to escape. Both men were rescued amid concerns that the damaged aircraft could catch fire.
Dr. Ashley Ludwig, trauma medical director at Hershey Medical Center, reported that both troopers arrived as Level 1 trauma patients but sustained only minor injuries. One trooper was expected to be discharged Wednesday night, while the other remained under observation.
Official statements
Governor Josh Shapiro praised the rapid response of police, emergency medical personnel, and hospital staff, calling it “an example of Pennsylvania at its finest.” He also said he had contacted U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to request that the Federal Aviation Administration expedite its response to the scene.
State Police Acting Commissioner Col. Bivens said investigators have secured video and photographs that may help reconstruct the collision. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened investigations, and communications on the airport’s common traffic radio frequency will be examined.
Airport operations
Carlisle Regional Airport does not have an air traffic control tower; pilots rely on a shared radio frequency for traffic coordination. Officials indicated that the investigation will focus on whether proper communication protocols were followed.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and authorities have not released further details pending the ongoing inquiry.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
