SOUTH MIDDLETON — A tragic mid-air collision at Carlisle Regional Airport in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, has claimed the life of an experienced aircraft pilot. The local authorities have identified the deceased pilot as 57-year-old Dr. Paul Sokoloski of Hershey, Pennsylvania, following a violent crash involving a private Cessna 150 airplane and a hovering state police helicopter.
The Collision: What Happened at Carlisle Airport?
On the evening of Wednesday, August 19, 2026, a Bell 407 helicopter belonging to the Pennsylvania State Police was conducting routine hovering training exercises near a runway. The helicopter was hovering just a few feet off the ground in a grassy area when a Cessna 150 small airplane, piloted by Sokoloski, approached for landing from behind.
For reasons still under investigation, the Cessna 150 veered sharply to the right as it approached the runway, striking the rear tail boom of the hovering police helicopter. The impact was extremely violent, causing the helicopter to lose its main blades and tail boom before rolling inverted onto its side. The Cessna 150 was completely destroyed, breaking into multiple pieces upon impact.
Experienced Aircraft Pilot Paul Sokoloski Mourned
The sole occupant of the Cessna 150, Paul Sokoloski, did not survive the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. Sokoloski was widely known in the Hershey community as a highly experienced aircraft pilot and a dedicated emergency room physician. Colleagues and aviation enthusiasts have expressed deep shock and sorrow over his sudden passing, describing him as a passionate aviator who adhered strictly to flight safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, the two state police troopers aboard the Bell 407 helicopter—Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills—were trapped briefly inside the overturned fuselage. Fortunately, one of the troopers was able to kick out a window, allowing both to escape the wreckage. They were transported to the Hershey Medical Center with minor injuries and are expected to make a full recovery.
Federal Agencies Launch Full Investigation
Because Carlisle Regional Airport does not operate a control tower, local pilots typically coordinate landing and takeoff patterns via a shared radio frequency. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have arrived at the scene to conduct a full, independent investigation into the collision.
Investigators will review flight data, radio communication logs, and weather conditions at the time of the crash to determine what caused the Cessna 150 to veer off its path and strike the helicopter. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected to be released in the coming weeks.