by Sarah Burns, Alexa Southard, Alex Thill
Updated
Two PA State troopers are expected to survive after authorities said a plane hit their helicopter on Wednesday. (WHP)
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — The pilot of a small plane is dead and two Pennsylvania State Troopers are hurt after two aircrafts “violently” collided at Carlisle Airport Wednesday, according to officials.
In a press conference, Governor Josh Shapiro said the troopers are expected to be okay thanks to the lifesaving efforts of the staff at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
The pilot is believed to be the only individual onboard the Cessna, the other aircraft involved. Pennsylvania state police said the plane was from the area.
The troopers were identified as Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills. Lt. Colonel George Bivens said the crew onboard the chopper were conducting routine training exercises, hanging around on the ground after the training.
The Cessna reportedly came down along the runway for an unknown reason, veering hard to the right at the last moment. It struck the helicopter from the rear, officials said.
The helicopter, without its blade and tail, rolled over and landed on its roof.
Cpl. Corman was able to push out a window and assist Tpr. Mills, who had more severe injuries, Bivens said. They were able to escape the wreckage through the window.
On Thursday, Shapiro said Corman has since been released from the hospital while Mills is still recovering. His condition is considered “quite good”, according to the governor.
There’s no air traffic control tower at the Carlisle airport, but pilots communicate via radio frequencies, according to state police.
A spokesperson with the FAA initially claimed that a Cessna 150 airplane and a Bell 407 helicopter collided midair near the Carlisle Airport in the 200 block of Petersburg Road around 7 p.m.
Dispatch confirmed the coroner was called to the airport.
Photos from the scene showed the wreckage of a helicopter with the state police emblem.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are continuing to investigate.
The NTSB said the wreckage will be documented and moved to a secure facility for further examination.
A preliminary report of the accident is expected to be posted within the next day.
This is a developing story. CBS 21 will provide an update once more information has been released.
