Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter Crashes at Carlisle Airport: Immediate Reports And Updates
A tragic aviation incident unfolded at Carlisle Airport on August 19, 2026, when a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter collided with a small aircraft.
The crash claimed the life of the plane's pilot and left two state troopers injured. This is a developing story with ongoing investigations by federal authorities.
What Happened at Carlisle Airport?
A Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter was performing routine training exercises at Carlisle Regional Airport around 6:52 p.m. . The helicopter was hovering several feet above a grassy area beside the runway when a Cessna 150 approached to land .
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For reasons still under investigation, the Cessna veered sharply to the right and struck the helicopter from behind, hitting the tail rotor and main rotor. The impact was described by officials as "a very violent crash" that cut the plane into many pieces .
The helicopter lost its blades and tail boom before crashing onto its side. The Cessna crashed a short distance away and broke apart . Emergency crews, including fire and EMS, arrived promptly at the scene near Petersburg Road in South Middleton Township .
Casualties and Injuries
The pilot of the Cessna 150 was killed in the crash . Officials believe the pilot was the sole occupant, but this remains part of the investigation . The pilot's identity has not been released pending notification of family.
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Both state troopers aboard the helicopter survived . Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro identified them as Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills . They were initially trapped inside the wreckage until Cpl.
Corman pushed out a window and helped Trooper Mills escape before emergency responders arrived . Both troopers were transported to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as Level 1 trauma patients but suffered only minor injuries and are in stable condition .
Official Statements
Speaking at a news conference, Lt. Col. George Bivens, Pennsylvania's acting police commissioner, described the collision: "When I say it was a very violent crash, that plane was cut into a lot of pieces" .
He noted that the helicopter pilots were from the police's elite aviation unit and would not have been able to see the approaching plane .
Governor Shapiro, who visited the crash scene, stated: "Tonight could have been much worse. Tonight could have been much more tragic for our state police family. Thank god that it wasn't" . Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed he has been in touch with the governor .
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are jointly investigating the crash with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police . The NTSB is leading the investigation and has sent two investigators to the site .
After documentation, the wreckage will be moved to a secure facility for further examination .
Carlisle Airport is an uncontrolled airport with no air traffic control tower. Pilots coordinate movements on a shared radio frequency, which is common at small regional airports .
Airport Closure
The runway at Carlisle Airport is closed to fixed-wing aircraft, and the airspace has been closed pending the investigation .
