South Middleton Township, PA – On August 19, 2026, at approximately 6:58 PM, a Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Bell 407GX helicopter was struck by a Cessna 150 single-engine airplane while hovering over a grassy area to the north of the runway at Carlisle Airport, located at 228 Petersburg Road, South Middleton Township, Cumberland County.
The Cessna 150 was attempting to land when, for an unknown reason, it veered off the north side of the runway and collided with the rear of the PSP helicopter, which was hovering in mid-air.
The helicopter was piloted by Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills. Both were airlifted to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey for medical treatment. Corporal Corman has since been released from the hospital, while Trooper Mills remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The pilot and sole occupant of the Cessna 150, identified as 57-year-old Paul William Sokoloski of Hershey, PA, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Cumberland County Coroner’s Office.
The Troop H Major Case Team was activated to assist with the investigation being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Wednesday’s press conference is available on PAcast.