# Pennsylvania midair aircraft collision > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pennsylvania-midair-aircraft-collision > Updated: 2026-09-03T18:51:50.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 2. On August 19, 2026, a midair collision occurred near Carlisle Airport in Pennsylvania involving a Cessna 150 and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter. The helicopter was performing routine training maneuvers, including a “hover taxi,” when the Cessna veered sharply and struck the rear of the aircraft. The impact was described as “very violent,” resulting in the death of the Cessna pilot, Paul Sokoloski, and injuries to two state police troopers. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions found in either aircraft. Investigators noted that because the airport lacks a control tower, pilots rely on a shared radio frequency for coordination. Records show that shortly before the collision, the Cessna pilot requested to extend his “downwind” leg to increase separation, and the helicopter instructor replied, “Yes, extend your downwind.” The collision took place approximately eight seconds after the helicopter moved off the runway. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: NTSB finds no mechanical issues in Pennsylvania midair collision An NTSB preliminary report found no mechanical failures in the August 19 midair collision between a Cessna 150 and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ntsb-finds-no-mechanical-issues-in-pennsylvania-midair-collision ### 2026-08-20: Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and small plane collide midair A midair collision between a Cessna 150 and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter near Carlisle Airport killed one pilot and injured two troopers during a training exercise. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-state-police-helicopter-and-small-plane-collide-midair --- Cite as: Pennsylvania midair aircraft collision. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pennsylvania-midair-aircraft-collision