Shocking new footage shows the moments before a small plane crashed into a police helicopter – killing its pilot and seriously injuring two troopers.
The video shows the Cessna 150H coming into land as the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter hovers close to the runway.
Seconds later, the plane pitches upwards and banks sharply to the right before smashing into the rear of the helicopter, as reported by Need To Know.
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The pilot of the plane, local doctor Paul Sokoloski, was killed.
Two state troopers aboard the helicopter were seriously injured.
New footage of the horror collision has now been released as part of an investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Investigators said the helicopter had landed on the runway before carrying out a ‘hover taxi’ and travelling around 1,800ft.
Meanwhile, Sokoloski was approaching the same runway in his Cessna.
A witness told investigators that the helicopter pilot radioed the plane and told Sokoloski to extend his approach.
Sokoloski acknowledged the instruction and later said over the radio that he was second in line to land.
The helicopter subsequently moved off the runway and over a grass area.
But the troopers told investigators that because of the helicopter’s position, they could not see the approaching Cessna behind them.
Around eight seconds after the helicopter left the runway, the plane pitched upwards and began climbing.
Its right wing then dropped before the aircraft turned sharply to the right.
The wings briefly levelled before the Cessna struck the rear of the helicopter.
The collision happened at Carlisle Airport, Pennsylvania, on August 19.
The plane broke apart into four major sections in the crash, while the helicopter lost its main rotor blades and tail boom.
Investigators said examinations of both aircraft found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures.
The NTSB investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
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