On August 19, 2026, a Cessna 150 collided with a hovering Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter while attempting to land at Carlisle Airport (CAX) in Pennsylvania. The pilot of the Cessna airplane was killed in the accident, while two officers aboard the helicopter sustained minor injuries.
Carlisle Airport is an uncontrolled field without an air traffic control tower. At the time of the collision, the state police helicopter was conducting a routine training exercise. The impact severed the helicopter's rotor blades and tail boom, causing it to roll onto its side. Both troopers were able to escape and were transported to a hospital in stable condition.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the mid-air collision, assisted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Authorities stated that no official cause has been determined yet.
