Plane pilot killed in mid-air collision with police helicopter in Pennsylvania
On Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred near a small airport in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia, when a Cessna 150 collided with a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter. Sadly, the pilot of the plane lost their life, while the two troopers aboard the helicopter managed to survive, despite the helicopter flipping over and losing its tail and blades. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens noted that the plane was descending when it struck the helicopter, which was close to the ground. The troopers, part of a specialized unit, had to exit through a window but are now stable. Governor Josh Shapiro expressed gratitude that the outcome wasn't worse, while the pilot's identity is being kept private until the family is informed.
Key facts
- A pilot died in a collision between a Cessna 150 and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter.
- The crash occurred on Wednesday near a runway at a small airport in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
- Two state troopers aboard the helicopter survived and are in stable condition.
- The helicopter lost its blades and tail boom and crashed onto its side.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident as a mid-air collision.
- State police acting commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens described the crash as violent.
- The troopers were performing a training exercise and were trapped until one pushed out a window.
- The pilot's identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Entities
Institutions
- Pennsylvania State Police
- Federal Aviation Administration
- National Transportation Safety Board
Locations
- Carlisle
- Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia