A training exercise at Pennsylvania’s Carlisle Airport turned tragic Wednesday evening when a small Cessna suddenly veered into a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter, killing the plane’s pilot and injuring two troopers.
Authorities said the Cessna was traveling along the runway when, for reasons not yet known, it suddenly veered sharply to the right and struck the police helicopter from behind.
The impact was violent. The helicopter lost its tail and rotor blades, rolled over and came to rest on its roof. The pilot of the Cessna was killed and is believed to have been the aircraft’s only occupant.
Inside the helicopter were Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, who were conducting routine training exercises. Both survived the crash, but were injured.
Officials said Cpl. Corman managed to push open a window and then helped Trooper Mills escape from the overturned helicopter. Mills suffered more serious injuries and was undergoing additional medical tests, while Corman was expected to be released Wednesday night.
Governor Josh Shapiro said the troopers were expected to survive and praised the lifesaving efforts of medical personnel at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Initial reports described the accident as an aircraft collision near Carlisle Airport around 7 p.m. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are now investigating exactly why the Cessna suddenly changed direction.
Investigators are expected to document the wreckage before moving it to a secure facility for detailed examination. A preliminary report could be released within the next day.
The crucial questions now are: What caused the Cessna to veer so abruptly? Was there a mechanical problem, pilot incapacitation, or another factor?
The investigation will determine what happened in the moments before the two aircraft collided.
