Data cards recovered from plane, helicopter involved in deadly Carlisle collision: NTSB

CARLISLE, Pa. - Federal investigators have recovered intact data cards from a state police helicopter and Cessna plane that collided at a small airport in Carlisle, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. 

The crash killed the Cessna’s pilot and injured two troopers inside the helicopter.

Investigators recover flight data after Carlisle airport crash

Timeline:

The crash happened Wednesday night when a Cessna 150 veered to the side during landing and collided with the rear of a Bell 407 helicopter, the Federal Aviation Administration said. 

The helicopter was hovering above a grassy area beside the runway as part of a training exercise.

Both aircraft fell to the ground in pieces after the small plane struck the tail of the police helicopter.

What we know:

McCarter said the data cards will be reviewed over the weekend as investigators try to piece together what caused the Cessna to clip the helicopter. Neither aircraft was required to have a cockpit voice recorder. 

"We don't know exactly what kind of parameters are on these data cards, but in some cases we get fortunate," McCarter said.

The Cessna pilot, identified as 57-year-old Paul Sokoloski, was killed. Both helicopter crew members, Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were trapped until Corman pushed out a window, according to state police.

Critical questions as the investigation continues

Both pilots were flight instructors, and investigators have strong evidence the Cessna pilot was made aware of the helicopter nearby, McCarter said. 

The plane's flight path was described as unusual, and McCarter said the pilot had performed maintenance on the aircraft before departure.

What's next:

The wreckage of both aircraft has been salvaged and will be moved to a Delaware facility for further examination, McCarter said.

What we don't know:

Investigators have not announced what caused the Cessna to veer off and strike the helicopter. The information from the data cards is still under review, and details on exactly what they contain have not been released.