A deadly midair collision at Carlisle Airport on Wednesday evening claimed the life of a pilot and left two Pennsylvania State Police troopers injured, according to federal and state officials.
The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. when a PSP helicopter and a Cessna 150 collided as the plane was on final approach, said Lt. Col. George Bivens, Pennsylvania’s acting state police commissioner. The Cessna, a two-seat aircraft commonly used for flight training, was being flown by a student pilot during a training exercise at the time of the crash.
Bivens described the impact as “very violent,” noting that the plane was “cut into a lot of pieces.” The pilot of the Cessna was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the pilot’s name pending notification of family members.
Both troopers aboard the helicopter were initially trapped in the wreckage. According to Bivens, one of the troopers managed to push out a window and then assisted the other in escaping through the same opening. Their injuries have not been detailed, but they were transported for medical evaluation.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who rushed to the scene, issued a statement expressing relief that the toll was not higher. “Tonight could’ve been much worse. Tonight could’ve been much more tragic for our state police family,” he said.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that two people were aboard the PSP aircraft at the time of the collision. The agency has launched an investigation alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the probe into the cause of the crash.
Carlisle Airport is a general aviation facility located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The airport serves as a base for flight training operations, and the Cessna 150 is a staple of such programs. The collision raises questions about airspace coordination and safety protocols at small airports where police and civilian aircraft operate in close proximity.
This incident comes as state police and emergency responders across Pennsylvania have been dealing with a range of high-profile challenges, including a recent cocaine ring bust linked to Penn State and broader public safety concerns. The crash also highlights the risks faced by law enforcement aviation units, which are often called upon for surveillance, search-and-rescue, and transport missions.
In recent months, Pennsylvania has seen other aviation-related incidents, including a military cargo plane aborting a mission after a Russian missile alert, underscoring the dangers inherent in flight operations. Meanwhile, the state has been active in addressing public health and safety issues, such as cracking down on Medicaid fraud and monitoring rising COVID-19 infections.
The NTSB will examine factors including weather, pilot experience, and communication between the aircraft. The agency is expected to release a preliminary report within weeks. Meanwhile, the state police community is mourning the loss of the civilian pilot and expressing gratitude that the troopers survived.
