A deadly mid-air collision between a Cessna 150 light aircraft and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter near Carlisle Airport in central Pennsylvania has left one pilot dead and two police officers injured.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the crash occurred last night at approximately 7:50 p.m. while the police helicopter was conducting routine training exercises. Acting Police Commissioner George Bivens described the incident, stating that "for reasons unknown, the Cessna veered to the right at the last moment, struck the helicopter from behind and hit the rotors, causing a violent crash."
The pilot of the small aircraft, believed to have been flying alone, was killed in the collision. The two officers aboard the helicopter were initially trapped inside the wreckage but managed to extricate themselves and were transported to a hospital. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro provided an update on their condition, saying, "I'm pleased to report that despite the accident, the two injured officers will be okay."
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration.
