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

Investigators are probing a fatal midair collision that occurred between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane at Carlisle airport in Pennsylvania on August 19, 2026, according to a federal official. The National Transportation Safety Board's Aaron McCarter, who is leading the investigation, stated that the cause of the crash is currently unknown. The dramatic incident resulted in the death of the Cessna pilot and injuries to two state troopers.

At the time of the incident, the Cessna 150 aircraft was attempting to land at the rural airport when it veered to the side and collided with the rear of the hovering Pennsylvania State Police helicopter, which was part of a training exercise. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the involved aircraft as a Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150. The Cessna 150 struck the tail of the hovering police helicopter, causing both aircraft to crash to the ground in pieces.

McCarter noted that both pilots involved in the crash were flight instructors. Despite the lack of a tower to manage airport traffic, pilots at the site communicated on a common frequency. The investigation has strong evidence that the Cessna pilot was aware of the hovering police helicopter's presence in the area. The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a thorough analysis of the wreckage, examine the actions of the pilots, and consider the environmental conditions at the time of the crash.