Federal investigators are examining the circumstances that led to a fatal midair collision between a small plane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter on Wednesday. The incident occurred at a small airport in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, when a Cessna 150, attempting to land, veered and struck the rear of a hovering Bell 407 helicopter.
The pilot of the Cessna, identified as 57-year-old Paul William Sokoloski, died at the scene. Two troopers aboard the helicopter, Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were trapped in their aircraft after it crashed but managed to escape. Both were airlifted to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center; Corman has since been released, and Mills is recovering with a good prognosis, according to state officials.
Aaron McCarter, investigator-in-charge with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stated Thursday that the investigation is in its early stages and there is no immediate explanation for the crash. The NTSB will analyze the wreckage, examine the aircraft, and review the actions of the pilots and the environmental conditions at the time of the collision.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the helicopter was hovering over a grassy area beside the runway as part of a training exercise. The Cessna reportedly struck the tail of the helicopter, causing both aircraft to descend rapidly and break apart.
McCarter noted that the airport does not have a control tower, and pilots typically communicate on a common frequency. Evidence suggests that the Cessna pilot was aware of the helicopter's presence in the area. McCarter could not immediately confirm if visual obstruction played a role.
Investigators are also looking into the Cessna pilot's pre-flight activities, including recent maintenance on his aircraft, to determine if any mechanical issues were a factor. The flight path of the Cessna prior to the collision, described as unusual, is also under scrutiny.
Officials have not yet assigned fault to either pilot. The NTSB investigation will encompass communication logs, pilot qualifications, and the sequence of events leading up to the collision.