A state police helicopter and a small plane collided over Carlisle Airport in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Wednesday night, resulting in the death of the plane’s pilot, officials said.
The crash involved a Cessna 150 airplane and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter. Acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner George L. Bivens said at a news conference that the pilot of the Cessna was killed.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said at the news conference that the two state troopers involved will survive their injuries.
According to Biven, the helicopter was conducting a training exercise off the runway when the plane veered off course during landing and collided with the back of the helicopter. The collision caused a violent crash that sent the plane into several pieces, and the helicopter rolled around on the ground until it stopped on its side, Biven said.
“The pilots would not have been able to even see that airplane approaching them,” he said. “It hit the the rear tail rotor and went into the main rotor of the helicopter, resulting in a very violent crash. The plane crashed into the ground a short distance ahead in many pieces.”
Shapiro identified the troopers as Cpl. Bryce Corman and trooper Jason Mills.
Both were initially trapped inside the helicopter, but Corman was able to free himself and then help Mills get out, too, Biven said.
One of the troopers could get released from the hospital before Thursday morning, and the other will remain overnight for observation, Biven said.
“Both of them, thankfully, came out with just minor injuries and are stable,” Dr. Ashley Ludwig, trauma medical director at Hershey Medical Center, said at the news conference.
The identity of the pilot was withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Boar are investigating.
