A midair collision involving a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small airplane killed the pilot of the plane and injured two state troopers on Wednesday night.
The Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150 airplane collided around 7:50 p.m. in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, an area located approximately 120 miles west of Philadelphia, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens stated that the police helicopter was conducting routine training in a grassy area when it was struck from the rear by the Cessna. Bivens explained that the small plane "veered to the right at the last moment, struck the helicopter from the rear, hit the tail rotor and the main rotor, resulting in a violent crash."
The sole occupant of the Cessna, believed to be the pilot, did not survive the incident. The two state troopers onboard the helicopter were initially trapped but managed to exit before being transported to a hospital. Both are expected to recover.
"I’m pleased to say that after an aviation accident, two Pennsylvania State Troopers, while injured, are going to be okay," Governor Josh Shapiro said. He added that he and his wife are "praying hard" and asked fellow Pennsylvanians to join them.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the collision, with assistance from the FAA.