A pilot was killed Wednesday when their airplane collided with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter during an apparent approach to a runway at a small airport. Authorities confirmed that both troopers on board the helicopter survived the incident.
The crash occurred near the runway at the airport in Carlisle, approximately 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The involved aircraft were a Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The Cessna, a two-seat aircraft, is often used for flight training.
Officials stated the airplane was descending towards the runway and veered into the helicopter, which was near the ground. While the FAA described it as a midair collision, state police did not immediately clarify if the airplane was airborne at the moment of impact. The helicopter sustained significant damage, losing its blades and tail boom, and came to rest on its side.
The two troopers, members of the state police's aviation unit, had been engaged in a training exercise. They were initially trapped in the helicopter but managed to exit after one pushed out a window and assisted the other. Their conditions were reported as stable.
Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the potential for a more tragic outcome, stating, "Tonight could’ve been much worse... Tonight could’ve been much more tragic for our state police family." The identity of the deceased pilot will not be released until their next of kin has been notified.
Images circulating on social media depicted a helicopter on its side amidst aircraft debris in a field, with numerous emergency vehicles present near the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the collision.