Pilot Dead, Two Pennsylvania State Troopers Injured in Carlisle Airport Midair Collision
A pilot was killed and two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured after a Cessna 150 collided with a police Bell 407 helicopter near Carlisle Regional Airport. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash.
A pilot was killed and two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured after a small airplane collided with a state police helicopter near Carlisle Regional Airport in Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2026.
The collision involved a Cessna 150 airplane and a Bell 407 helicopter operated by the Pennsylvania State Police. The crash happened at approximately 6:50–7:00 p.m. local time while the helicopter crew was conducting routine training exercises.
Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens described the incident as a "very violent crash."
What Happened at Carlisle Airport?
According to preliminary information released by state police, the helicopter was hovering several feet above a grassy area next to a runway during a training exercise.
The Cessna 150 was approaching a runway when it suddenly veered to the right. The aircraft struck the rear of the helicopter, hitting its tail rotor and then the main rotor.
Both aircraft subsequently crashed.
The helicopter lost its blades and tail boom before rolling over and coming down on its side. The Cessna crashed a short distance away and was heavily damaged.
Authorities have stressed that the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Two State Troopers Injured
The two people aboard the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter were Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, members of the department's aviation unit.
Both were initially trapped inside the helicopter after the crash.
According to officials, Corman was able to get out through a window and then helped Mills escape. Both troopers were taken to Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Officials said the two sustained minor injuries and were in stable condition.
Pilot of Cessna Dies
The Cessna's sole occupant, 57-year-old Paul Sokoloski of Hershey, died in the crash, according to the Cumberland County Coroner's Office.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
FAA and NTSB Investigating
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
Investigators will need to determine exactly how the two aircraft came into conflict near the runway and why the Cessna veered into the helicopter's path.
At this stage, officials have not announced a definitive cause.
A Tragic Accident
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the situation could have been even more tragic and expressed relief that the two state police pilots survived.
The crash has also highlighted the risks involved in aviation training operations, particularly around active airport runways.
As investigators examine the aircraft, flight paths and other evidence, more information is expected to emerge about what led to the collision.
What Happens Next?
The investigation could take considerable time. The FAA and NTSB are expected to examine the aircraft, witness accounts, flight information and other available evidence before determining the probable cause.
For now, the confirmed facts are that one person died, two state troopers were injured, and two aircraft collided near Carlisle Regional Airport.
Further updates are expected as investigators release additional information.
This article is based on preliminary information available on August 20, 2026. Details may change as the FAA, NTSB and Pennsylvania authorities release additional findings.