We aint done yet… Expect another one.
CARLISLE, Pennsylvania — A pilot has been killed and two Pennsylvania State Police troopers injured after a small aircraft collided with a police helicopter at Carlisle Regional Airport in Pennsylvania, United States.
The dramatic crash happened on Wednesday evening, August 19, during a training exercise involving the State Police aviation unit. Authorities said the collision involved a Cessna 150 airplane and a Bell 407 helicopter.
The pilot of the Cessna died in the crash. Officials had not immediately released the pilot’s identity as authorities worked to notify the person’s next of kin.
The two troopers aboard the State Police helicopter survived but suffered injuries and were taken for medical treatment. Authorities said both were expected to recover.
Plane veered toward helicopter
According to Pennsylvania State Police officials, the helicopter was conducting routine training at the airport when the small plane approached the runway.
Acting State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens said the helicopter was hovering only several feet above the ground in a grassy area beside the runway when the Cessna approached from behind.
The aircraft reportedly veered sharply toward the helicopter before striking it.
The collision was described by officials as extremely violent, with the impact causing extensive damage to both aircraft. The helicopter lost its blades and tail boom before coming down on its side.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are treating the incident as a midair collision and have launched an investigation.
Troopers trapped inside wreckage
The two State Police pilots were initially trapped inside the overturned helicopter following the crash.
Officials said one of the troopers managed to push out a window and then helped the other escape from the damaged aircraft.
The injured troopers were identified by Pennsylvania authorities as Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, members of the State Police aviation unit. They were taken to hospital for treatment.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described the incident as a tragedy but said the outcome could have been much worse.
The crash occurred near Carlisle, roughly 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia, sending emergency crews rushing to the airport.
Images from the scene showed the damaged helicopter lying on its side, aircraft debris scattered across the area and emergency vehicles surrounding the crash site.
Investigation underway
Investigators are now working to establish exactly what caused the collision and why the Cessna veered into the helicopter’s path.
Authorities have cautioned that the early account could change as investigators examine the wreckage, witness accounts, aircraft movements and other available evidence.
Officials are also working to establish whether anyone else was aboard the Cessna. The aircraft is a two-seat Cessna 150 commonly used for training and recreational flying.
The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation, while Pennsylvania State Police are assisting.
For now, the biggest unanswered question remains what caused the small plane to change direction moments before the collision.
The crash has left one person dead and two police aviation officers injured, while investigators continue working to piece together the final moments before the two aircraft came together.
NABADO.CO.KE will continue to follow the investigation as more details emerge.
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