Storyline

Wave of small-aircraft crashes prompts NTSB investigations

A string of small-aircraft accidents across the U.S., including a midair collision in Carlisle, a crash off Maine, and a deadly charter crash in Alaska, draws NTSB and FAA investigations.

3 stories353 sourcesUpdated Aug 22, 2026

In this storyline:National Transportation Safety Board Cessna 441 Conquest II The Federal Aviation Administration Josh Shapiro Diamond DA20

Wave of small-aircraft crashes prompts NTSB investigations — Photo: Wolf Art / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

Key developments

Aug 21, 2026
A Cessna 150 collides midair with a hovering police helicopter near Carlisle Airport, prompting an FAA and NTSB investigation as Gov. Josh Shapiro heads to the scene.
167 sources on this →
Aug 21, 2026
A Diamond DA20 carrying two people crashes into the water off Bristol, Maine, with the NTSB and FAA opening an investigation into the fatal incident.
130 sources on this →
Aug 22, 2026
Eight people die when a Security Aviation charter plane crashes near Alaska's Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site en route from Anchorage, prompting an NTSB investigation.
56 sources on this →

Coverage across the spectrum

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Stories in this storyline

Photo: Josh Shapiro — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

World

Cessna Hits Hovering Police Helicopter at Carlisle

A midair collision near Carlisle Airport involving a Bell 407 police helicopter and a Cessna 150 airplane left unclear numbers aboard the plane and two on the helicopter, with authorities saying the FAA and NTSB will investigate and Gov. Josh Shapiro is heading to the scene as the incident remains developing with no confirmed injuries.

167 sources

Photo: The Federal Aviation Administration — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

World

Maine Pilot Dies; Alaska Crash Kills Eight Under Investigation

A Diamond DA20 carrying two people crashed into the water off Bristol, Maine, with authorities reporting both unknown conditions for the passengers and, in at least one account, a fatality and body recovery as the NTSB and FAA launch investigations. The crash occurred near Fort William Henry and Pemaquid, and officials say the NTSB will lead the investigation alongside the FAA.

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130 sources

Photo: Wolf Art / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

World

Alaska Charter Crash Involving USACE Mission

Eight people aboard a Security Aviation twin-engine charter plane died when it crashed near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site in western Alaska while en route from Anchorage, with responders launching a search-and-rescue and authorities beginning a formal investigation. The NTSB has said two pilots and six passengers were on board as the crash occurred on approach to Cape Newenham, and updates are being released as the situation develops.

56 sources