A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small airplane collided midair near the Carlisle Airport in Cumberland County on Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. local time.
The aircraft involved were a Bell 407 helicopter, identified as belonging to the Pennsylvania State Police, and a Cessna 150 airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that two people were aboard the helicopter, while the number of occupants on the private plane remains unconfirmed.
Officials have not yet confirmed any injuries or fatalities. A coroner was called to the scene, and Gov. Josh Shapiro indicated he was heading to the crash site. "I’ve been briefed on the aircraft crash involving PA State Police this evening in Carlisle and I am heading there now," Shapiro stated on social media.
Witnesses near the airport, which is uncontrolled and relies on pilots coordinating over a shared frequency, reported that the State Police helicopter had been flying low and performing maneuvers prior to the collision. This is described as a common occurrence at the airport.
Emergency response vehicles swarmed the site following the crash. Photos from the scene showed the helicopter on its side with debris scattered on the grass near the runway. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to lead the investigation into the midair collision.