Data cards retrieved from plane and helicopter that collided in deadly Pennsylvania airport crash

Federal investigators have recovered data cards from a state police helicopter and a Cessna plane that collided at a small airport in central Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of the Cessna pilot. The collision occurred during a takeoff at a Carlisle airport, approximately 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The Cessna, piloted by a flight instructor, was attempting to land when it veered off course and struck the rear of the hovering helicopter, which was part of a training exercise.

The helicopter's two occupants sustained injuries, but neither aircraft was equipped with black boxes to record flight data and cockpit audio. Investigators are currently reviewing the data cards, which may provide valuable information to determine the cause of the collision. The crash site is located about 30 to 50 feet from the runway, and witnesses reported that the Cessna appeared to be out of control as it approached the scene.