FLYING Magazine
One person was killed and two others injured in a midair collision between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a Cessna 150. The accident happened just before 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday over Carlisle Airport (N94) west of Harrisburg.
Images of the accident released on social media show the helicopter laying on its side in the grass next to the runway. There was a massive police and fire presence with lots of vehicles and flashing lights. According to authorities the Bell 407 helicopter was approaching from the east.
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FlightAware shows the Cessna had come from Harrisburg and was doing laps in the pattern at N94 when its track abruptly ended. Carlisle is a nontowered airport located 20 miles west of Harrisburg with a runway aligned 10/28.
According to officials investigating the event, the Bell 407 was hovering in the grass area next to the runway. The Cessna was approaching the runway behind the helicopter when it suddenly veered to the right but was unable to avoid a collision. The Cessna hit the tail rotor of the helicopter and then the main rotor. The wreckage of the airplane came down in pieces.
The occupants of the helicopter, although injured, were able to escape out a window.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident.
