A Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150 collided in midair near Carlisle Regional Airport in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday evening, killing the Cessna’s pilot and injuring two state troopers aboard the helicopter. The helicopter was carrying out a routine training exercise when the aircraft struck during the approach to land, leaving both aircraft badly damaged in the crash near Harrisburg.
The helicopter had been hovering over a grassy area beside a runway when the Cessna, aligned for landing, veered right and hit it from behind. The impact tore apart the Cessna and left the Bell 407 without its blades and tail boom before it rolled inverted to the ground. The two troopers, identified in reporting as Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were initially trapped but escaped through a window, with Corman helping Mills out.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft types and the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation. The pilot of the Cessna, the sole occupant, has not yet been publicly identified pending notification of next of kin. Officials expect both troopers to recover.