Pilot killed and two state troopers injured in midair collision at Carlisle Airport

A Cessna 150 aircraft and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter collided at about 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Carlisle Airport in Pennsylvania. The crash killed the sole occupant of the Cessna and trapped two troopers inside the helicopter, which lost its top and rear rotors.

Acting State Police Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens described the incident as a violent crash caused when the approaching Cessna veered into the helicopter during a routine training exercise. Governor Josh Shapiro said the rapid response of emergency crews helped save the troopers' lives.

The injured troopers were identified as Corporal Bryce Korman and Trooper Jason Mills. Dr. Ashley Ludwig of Hershey Medical Center reported that both men sustained minor injuries and were stable; one was expected to be released later that night while the other remained hospitalized for observation.

The Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the scene, and the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the cause of the collision.

Witnesses heard a loud bang and saw debris scattered on the ground. One witness noted that an injured person was placed on a stretcher and taken away by emergency services.

Airport spokesperson Scott Miller said operations at nearby Harrisburg International Airport were not affected by the crash.

The NTSB has investigated four prior accidents at Carlisle Airport since 2019, with the most recent involving injuries occurring in October 2020.