Story perspectives

Trooper helicopter collides with Cessna, pilot killed near Carlisle

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pennsylvania State Police helicopter hit a Cessna 150 near Carlisle Airport, killing the pilot.
Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens said the Cessna veered and struck the helicopter's tail and rotors.
Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills escaped through a window with minor injuries.
Governor Josh Shapiro thanked responders, said it would have been worse, noted FAA and NTSB investigations.
The collision occurred at about 6:52 p.m. on August 19, 2026.

History

Historical Context

Mid-air collisions over the Grand Canyon have shaped U.S. aviation safety. The June 18 1986 crash of a Grand Canyon Airlines DHC-6 and a Helitech Bell 206 killed 25 and spurred FAA reforms on flight-following and coordination. A recent Pennsylvania State Police helicopter-Cessna collision revives those concerns, prompting calls for tighter FAA-state police and private pilot coordination.

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Story summary

Pennsylvania State Police helicopter hit a Cessna 150 near Carlisle Airport, killing the pilot.
Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens said the Cessna veered and struck the helicopter's tail and rotors.
Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills escaped through a window with minor injuries.
Governor Josh Shapiro thanked responders, said it would have been worse, noted FAA and NTSB investigations.
The collision occurred at about 6:52 p.m. on August 19, 2026.

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