Photo: Amy Lutz / Shutterstock.com A fatal midair collision involving a small airplane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter is under investigation after the two aircraft collided near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a Cessna 150 airplane and a Bell 407 helicopter collided at approximately 7:50 p.m. local time on August 19. The helicopter was operated by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Two people were aboard the Bell 407 at the time of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that it is investigating the accident and will lead the investigation, with the FAA assisting.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro later confirmed that the Cessna 150 pilot was killed in the collision.
Shapiro said he visited Penn State Hershey Medical Center following the crash, where he met with Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Pilot Bryce Corman, Trooper Pilot Jason Mills, and their families.
Both police pilots were aboard the Bell 407 and are recovering from the accident.
“I just left Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Colonel Bivens and I spent time with State Police Corporal Pilot Bryce Corman, Trooper Pilot Jason Mills, and their families following a fatal aircraft collision in Carlisle involving a PSP helicopter and a Cessna 150.
Lori and I join Pennsylvanians tonight in praying for the family of the Cessna 150 pilot who was killed, as well as Corporal Corman, Trooper Mills, and their loved ones as they begin to recover.” Shapiro said in a statement.
He also thanked medical personnel and Pennsylvania State Police members who responded to the incident.
The FAA said the NTSB will provide updates as the investigation progresses.