Sign of mechanical problems in midair collision between plane and police helicopter

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says evidence of mechanical problems was found in either aircraft involved in the Aug. 19 midair collision at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, involving a small private plane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter. The preliminary report states that inspections of the Cessna 150 and the Bell 407 found “no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures” that would have prevented normal operation. The helicopter was on a training mission, hovering a few feet above grass beside the runway, when the plane struck it. Pilot Paul Sokoloski, 57, was killed, and two troopers were seriously injured. Investigators also report radio coordination due to the airport’s lack of a control tower.