Carlisle, PA (August 21, 2026) – A pilot was killed and two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured on Wednesday, August 19, when a small plane collided with a state police helicopter during a training exercise at Carlisle Regional Airport.
The collision happened at approximately 6:58 p.m. near the airport in South Middleton Township. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, a Bell 407GX helicopter was hovering over a grassy area north of the runway when a Cessna 150 approached from behind and struck the helicopter’s rear tail rotor before entering its main rotor.
The Cessna crashed a short distance away and broke apart. Its sole occupant was killed. The pilot was later identified as 57-year-old Paul Sokoloski of Hershey.
The helicopter lost its blades and tail boom before rolling over. The two troopers, Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were initially trapped inside but were able to escape. Both were taken to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and were reported to have minor injuries and be in stable condition.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the collision. Investigators are examining available video, photographs, and aircraft data as they work to determine what led to the crash.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of the pilot who was killed in this crash. Our thoughts are also with the injured Pennsylvania State Police troopers, their colleagues, and everyone affected by this tragedy.
We wish both troopers a full and speedy recovery.
What Should Pilots Know About Airport Collision Safety?
Airport operations require pilots to maintain awareness of other aircraft, especially when they are taking off, landing, taxiing, or operating near runways. Pilots use radio communications, visual scanning, published procedures, and other information to maintain safe separation. A clear understanding of the airport environment is important because aircraft can approach from different directions and at different speeds.
Some airports do not have control towers, meaning pilots operating there rely on common traffic advisory frequencies and their own observations to coordinate movements. Pilots should monitor the appropriate frequency before entering the airport area and clearly communicate their position and intentions. Radio communication helps build a shared picture of nearby traffic, but pilots must continue looking for other aircraft.
Visibility can also be affected by aircraft design, flight position, lighting, weather, and the relative movement of other aircraft. Pilots should use disciplined scanning techniques and remain alert for traffic that may be difficult to see. Maintaining situational awareness throughout an airport operation can help reduce the risk of an unexpected conflict.
