A Cessna 150 collided with a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter near Carlisle Regional Airport in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, killing the pilot of the light aircraft and injuring two troopers on board the helicopter. The crash happened during a training exercise near the runway, and the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the circumstances.
The deceased pilot was identified as Paul Sokoloski, 57, of Hershey. Later reporting indicated that one injured trooper had been discharged from hospital, while the other remained under treatment in stable condition. Investigators have said the Cessna appeared to veer sharply just before impact, striking the helicopter near the runway during a low-altitude manoeuvre.
The collision has drawn attention to traffic separation and training safety at mixed-use airfields, particularly when rotary-wing operations take place close to an active approach path. The NTSB is reviewing video and other evidence as it works to determine why the aircraft came into conflict.