SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small airplane collided Wednesday night.
It happened just before 7 p.m. in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County.
The Bell 407GX helicopter was hovering over a grassy area north of the runway at Carlisle Airport when it collided midair with a Cessna 150 single-engine airplane, according to PSP.
The Cessna had been trying to land for an unknown reason at the time. PSP says it veered to the runway’s north when it struck the helicopter.
Paul William Sokoloski, 57, of Hershey, was the Cessna’s pilot and only occupant. The Cumberland County Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at the scene.
Sokoloski was an emergency medicine physician for Penn State Health, NBC affiliate WJAC reports, citing the health system’s website.
Piloting the helicopter were Corp. Bryce Corman and Tpr. Jason Mills, who were flown to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Corman has since been released, though Mills remains there in stable condition, PSP says.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration and assistance from PSP Troop H’s Major Case Team.
Gov. Josh Shapiro responded to the crash scene shortly after learning of it.
Attorney General Dave Sunday also sent support to the people involved in the crash.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity also expressed concern and support for everyone involved.
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