Investigators probe a dramatic midair crash as a landing plane hits hovering police helicopter

Investigators are probing a fatal midair crash that occurred when a small plane crashed into a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter. According to federal officials, the incident happened on Wednesday at a rural airport in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The small aircraft, a Cessna 150, was attempting to land when it veered to the side and collided with the rear of the hovering helicopter, which was part of a training exercise.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash, which resulted in the death of the Cessna pilot, Paul William Sokoloski, 57. Two state troopers were injured in the incident. The NTSB's investigator-in-charge, Aaron McCarter, stated that there is no immediate explanation for the crash, as they are still analyzing the wreckage and examining the actions of the pilots and the environment at the time of the incident.

The Cessna 150 and the Bell 407 helicopter were both being operated by flight instructors. The Cessna pilot had recently completed maintenance on his plane before the flight, but it is unclear if there was a mechanical issue. Both pilots were attempting to avoid communication interference, as the small airport in Carlisle does not have a tower to control traffic. However, pilots at the airport communicate on a common frequency, and it is known that the Cessna pilot was aware of the helicopter's presence in the area.

Lt. Col. George Bivens, the acting police commissioner, described the crash as "very violent" and noted that the helicopter's blades and tail boom were severely damaged. Both helicopter pilots, Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were trapped in the wreckage and had to be freed by one pilot pushing out a window to help the other. Corman was later released from the hospital, while Trooper Mills is recovering with a good prognosis. The Cessna pilot was the only person aboard the small plane.