In the aftermath of a tragic collision between a state police helicopter and a Cessna plane at a central Pennsylvania airport, federal investigators have successfully retrieved intact data cards from both aircraft. The collision resulted in the death of the plane’s pilot and injuries to two helicopter occupants.
During a Friday briefing, Aaron McCarter, the investigator-in-charge from the National Transportation Safety Board, emphasized the significance of the data cards, stating it was “very good news from a data standpoint.” These aircraft, unlike larger ones, are not mandated to have cockpit voice recorders, McCarter noted.
McCarter commented, “We don’t know exactly what kind of parameters are on these data cards, but in some cases we get fortunate” and the cards have robust flight data. This data will be crucial for investigators who are working over the weekend to understand the circumstances that led to the Cessna clipping the helicopter on Wednesday night.
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft involved as a Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150. The crash occurred during the Cessna’s landing attempt when it unexpectedly veered off course and collided with the helicopter, which was engaged in a training exercise above a grassy area beside the runway.
According to McCarter, the helicopter hovered approximately 30 to 50 feet from the runway when the Cessna appeared to be “out of control” as it approached. The collision caused both aircraft to fall to the ground in fragments, tragically claiming the life of the Cessna’s pilot, 57-year-old Paul William Sokoloski.
Details from the investigation reveal that both pilots were experienced flight instructors. Evidence suggests Sokoloski was aware of the nearby helicopter. His flight path was described as unusual, and he had conducted maintenance on the Cessna prior to the flight.
While the helicopter’s wreckage has been salvaged for further examination in Delaware, the helicopter’s pilots, Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, experienced a harrowing ordeal. After being trapped, they managed to escape when Corman pushed out a window. Corman has since been discharged from the hospital, while Mills continues to recover with a positive outlook, according to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Further details on the investigation continue to emerge as officials piece together the events surrounding this devastating incident.
