A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small airplane collided midair near the Carlisle airport in Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley on Wednesday evening, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and state officials.
The Cessna 150 airplane and Bell 407 helicopter collided in the air around 7:50 p.m. local time, according to the FAA.
There were two people on board the helicopter. The number of people on the plane is currently unknown, according to the FAA.
Authorities investigate a crash between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane at the Carlisle airport in Carlisle, Pa. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the crash involved a Pennsylvania State Police aircraft.
The Carlisle airport is uncontrolled airport, meaning there is no air traffic control tower or controllers on site. Planes and helicopters coordinate their movements on a shared frequency that everyone can hear.
Authorities investigate a crash between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane at the Carlisle airport in Carlisle, Pa. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
