A tragic midair plane and helicopter collision in Pennsylvania killed the plane’s pilot and injured two state police troopers.
The incident occurred near Carlisle Airport when a Cessna 150 airplane collided with the Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter carrying two state troopers on Wednesday evening, August 19.
The helicopter was conducting a routine training exercise around 7 p.m. and hovering above a grassy area adjacent to a runway. Around 7.50 p.m. local time, a Cessna jet approached the runway for an unknown reason, according to the troopers aboard the helicopter.
The airplane struck the rear tail rotor, sending it into the main rotor of the chopper. This resulted in a very violent crash. Meanwhile, the Cessna crashed after traveling a short distance and broke into multiple pieces.
Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills were trapped in the wreckage after the accident.
#BREAKING A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter collided with a plane at Carlisle Airport in Cumberland County. Tragic videos and photos show debris and first responders. Deaths reported by coroner.
#Carlisle #Pennsylvania @PAStatePolice @WJACTV @CumberlandCoPA pic.twitter.com/oU5cmoZtd1— jarvis ☠️ (@Vishii14) August 20, 2026
The identity of the deceased Cessna pilot has not been revealed. The authorities are waiting for the family’s approval. Corman and Mills were taken to the hospital for treatment after reporting minor injuries. They are expected to make a full recovery.
Dr. Ashley Ludwig, trauma medical director at Hershey Medical Center, revealed the troopers were admitted as Level 1 trauma patients. They were in stable condition. One of them was going to be discharged on Wednesday night, and the other one was still at the hospital for further observation.
NTSB investigating Wednesday’s midair collision involving a Bell 407 helicopter operated by Pennsylvania State Police and a Cessna 150 airplane in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) August 20, 2026
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a press conference, “Tonight could have been much worse.” Gov. Shapiro praised the doctors who took care of the state troopers. He expressed gratitude towards the troopers’ service and also met their families after the aviation accident.
The cause of the plane crash remains under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the accident scene Wednesday night, and the National Transportation Safety Board was also expected to arrive overnight.
The runway at the Carlisle airport relies on the planes and helicopters communicating on a shared communication system for traffic control. The airport does not have an official air traffic control tower or controllers on site.
Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available.
