CARLISLE — Two people were aboard the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter at the time of the crash. The number of people aboard the Cessna 150 was not immediately known. There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.

The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. The National Transportation Safety Board sent two investigators to the crash site. The wreckage will be moved to a secure facility for further examination after documentation.

Why It Matters

The incident involves a Pennsylvania State Police aircraft, the statewide law enforcement agency responsible for both traffic and criminal law enforcement. The crash occurred at Carlisle Airport, an airport in Pennsylvania that has a single 4,000-foot-long runway and no control tower. Pilots at Carlisle Airport communicate their intentions on a common radio frequency.

The National Transportation Safety Board is the United States government investigative agency for civil transportation accidents. The agency will determine the cause of the midair collision. Carlisle is located approximately 120 miles west of Philadelphia. Carlisle Airport is located about 20 miles west of Harrisburg.

Timeline

Shapiro posted, "I’ve been briefed on the aircraft crash involving @PAStatePolice this evening in Carlisle and I am heading there now. Lori and I are praying hard, and we ask all of our fellow Pennsylvanians to join us." The collision occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The crash occurred near Carlisle Airport in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

What's New

Additional reporting provided details on the flight paths and the airport environment. Flight tracking data indicated the Bell 407 helicopter was approaching Carlisle Airport from the east when it collided with the Cessna 150, which was circling the field.

Carlisle Airport has a single 4,000-foot-long runway and no control tower. Carlisle Airport is an airport in Pennsylvania, United States of America. The National Transportation Safety Board is United States government investigative agency for civil transportation accidents. Carlisle is located approximately 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

How Sources Differ

Sources provided conflicting geographic descriptions of Carlisle's location relative to Philadelphia. Geographic data stated Carlisle is located approximately 120 miles west of Philadelphia. The Federal Aviation Administration accident report stated Carlisle is located approximately 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Sources also differed on distance metrics involving regional landmarks. Geographic data stated Carlisle Airport is located about 20 miles west of Harrisburg. Reports varied in the level of detail regarding the collision dynamics. The Federal Aviation Administration accident report stated a Cessna 150 airplane and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter collided in midair near Carlisle, Pennsylvania. ADS-B Exchange flight tracking data indicated the Bell 407 helicopter was approaching Carlisle Airport from the east when it collided with the Cessna 150, which was circling the field.