Pennsylvania Police Helicopter Collides With Small Plane Over Carlisle, One Pilot Killed, Two Troopers Injured

A night of sky‑high drama over Carlisle Regional Airport ended in tragedy when a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter collided with a Cessna 150 two‑seat airplane.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the mid‑air collision occurred at about 6:50 p.m. local time. The helicopter, hovering just a few feet above a grassy strip next to a runway, was struck from behind by the Cessna, which made a sudden right turn that slammed the airplane’s wing into the helicopter’s rear tail rotor and then its main rotor.

The impact shredded the Bell’s blades and tail boom. The helicopter spun and crashed onto its side, partly on its roof, but the crew—two Pennsylvania State Police troopers—managed to free themselves before the wreckage ignited. Corporal Bryce Corman suffered only minor injuries, while Trooper Jason Mills endured significant bleeding and more serious wounds. Both were treated as Level 1 trauma patients at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Ashley Ludwig, the hospital’s trauma medical director, said the troopers were stable; one was expected to leave that night, the other was admitted for observation.

The Cessna crashed a short distance away, breaking into several pieces. The sole occupant was killed. Authorities have not yet identified the pilot and are awaiting notification of next of kin.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the incident at the hospital, calling the collision “very violent” and lauding the swift response of police, emergency medical personnel and hospital staff. He also mentioned that he had reached out to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to ask for an expedited FAA response.

State Police Commissioner Colonel George Bivens said the helicopter crew was conducting routine training exercises at the airport when the collision happened. Carlisle Regional Airport lacks an air‑traffic control tower; pilots communicate on a common traffic radio frequency. Investigators will review the chatter on that frequency as part of their inquiry.

The FAA arrived at the crash scene that evening, and the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to arrive overnight. State police have secured video and photographs that could help reconstruct the collision.

The cause of the collision remains unknown. Officials are examining flight‑tracking data and maintenance records to determine whether pilot error, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role.

The incident underscores the risks inherent in aviation training exercises, especially in uncontrolled airspace. The Bell 407 is a four‑blade, single‑engine helicopter used for law‑enforcement support, while the Cessna 150 is a two‑seat, tricycle‑gear aircraft commonly employed for flight training and personal use.

The Pennsylvania State Police aviation unit has operated helicopters for more than a decade, providing support for traffic control, search and rescue, and other law‑enforcement missions. Its pilots are trained to conduct low‑altitude training over airfields such as Carlisle.

In response to the accident, officials have temporarily closed the runway to allow investigators to assess the site.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining situational awareness during flight operations, particularly when aircraft of different types operate in close proximity.

As the investigation continues, authorities will release additional information as it becomes available.