Tragic Midair Collision at Pennsylvania Airport Leaves One Dead and Two Injured
A tragic accident occurred at a local airport in Pennsylvania when a small airplane and a state police helicopter collided in midair. The crash resulted in the death of the airplane pilot and left two state police troopers injured. Federal and state investigators are now working to determine exactly what caused this rare and violent event.
The incident took place at the Carlisle Airport in Cumberland County, which is located southwest of Harrisburg. The collision occurred during the evening hours, around 7:00 p.m. First responders arrived to find a scene of severe destruction, with the helicopter lying on its side and the small plane broken into several pieces.
How the Collision Happened
Before the crash, the state police helicopter was conducting routine training exercises. The helicopter crew was based out of Harrisburg. State police leadership noted that the helicopter was hovering only a few feet above a grassy area next to the runway. Because of the angle of approach, the helicopter pilots would not have been able to see the incoming airplane.
At the same time, a small Cessna 150 airplane was lining up to land on the runway. Just before landing, the plane veered to the right and struck the rear section of the hovering helicopter. The impact had devastating effects:
- The helicopter lost its main rotor blades and its tail section.
- The helicopter flipped over, landing on its side and partially on its roof.
- The small airplane crashed a short distance away and broke into multiple pieces.
The Emergency Rescue and Injuries
The pilot of the small airplane was the only person on board and died in the crash. Authorities have withheld the pilot's name until family members can be notified.
Inside the helicopter, the two state troopers, Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were trapped. Despite the damage and the threat of a post-crash fire, Corporal Corman managed to push out one of the helicopter's windows. He then helped Trooper Mills escape from the wreckage.
Both troopers were taken to a nearby medical center for treatment. Hospital staff evaluated them as trauma patients, but fortunately, they sustained only minor injuries. Both men were listed in stable condition. One trooper was expected to be released quickly, while the other remained in the hospital for overnight observation.
The state governor visited the hospital to meet with the injured troopers' families. The governor expressed gratitude for the troopers' service and shared that the community was thankful they survived the violent crash.
Investigating the Cause of the Crash
Federal aviation safety agencies have sent teams to the site to investigate the collision. Investigators are gathering physical evidence, including video footage and photographs of the crash, to help reconstruct the flight paths of both aircraft.
One major focus of the investigation is how the pilots were communicating. The Carlisle Airport does not have an active air traffic control tower. Instead of receiving directions from a controller on the ground, pilots at this airport must use a shared radio frequency to talk to one another and announce their positions. Investigators plan to carefully review the radio transmissions from that evening to see if the pilots were communicating before the impact.
The state governor also contacted national transportation officials to request that federal investigators expedite their work at the scene. Meanwhile, neighbors living near the airport recalled hearing the loud impact from their homes. One resident who was mowing his lawn described hearing a massive crash just seconds after turning his back, prompting neighbors to quickly call emergency services.