Paul Sokoloski Obituary: Hershey Physician and Pilot Killed in Carlisle Airport Aircraft Collision

CARLISLE, Pa. — Dr. Paul Sokoloski, a 57-year-old Hershey resident, emergency medicine physician and experienced pilot, died Wednesday evening following an aircraft collision involving his Cessna 150 and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter at Carlisle Regional Airport.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:52 p.m. while Sokoloski was attempting to land at the airport. Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers aboard the helicopter were injured, while Sokoloski suffered fatal injuries.

His death marks the loss of a man whose professional life crossed several demanding fields, including emergency medicine, medical education, aviation and military service.

Cessna and State Police Helicopter Collide at Carlisle Airport

Preliminary information indicates that Sokoloski was piloting a Cessna 150 and approaching the runway for a landing when the aircraft suddenly veered to the right.

The Cessna subsequently collided with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter that was participating in a training exercise.

State police said the helicopter was hovering only several inches above the ground when the collision occurred.

Emergency personnel responded to Carlisle Regional Airport following the crash. Sokoloski was identified as the pilot of the Cessna and was killed in the collision.

The two state troopers aboard the helicopter survived and were transported for medical treatment. Further details concerning the extent of their injuries were not included in the information available.

Paul Sokoloski Cause of Death

Paul Sokoloski died as a result of the fatal aircraft collision at Carlisle Regional Airport.

The Cumberland County Coroner’s Office is involved in the investigation, with an autopsy scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.

Additional medical findings concerning Sokoloski’s death may become available following the examination.

Authorities have not yet determined why his aircraft reportedly veered from its intended path before colliding with the helicopter.

A Career Dedicated to Emergency Medicine

Away from aviation, Sokoloski built a career centered on caring for patients and educating future medical professionals.

He was an emergency medicine physician affiliated with Penn State Health and also served as an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Penn State College of Medicine.

Emergency medicine requires physicians to make critical decisions in rapidly changing circumstances, often while treating patients facing serious or life-threatening conditions.

Sokoloski’s work placed him in that environment while his academic responsibilities allowed him to contribute to the education and training of others entering the medical profession.

His passing therefore reaches beyond his immediate family and friends to colleagues, students and members of the medical community who encountered him throughout his career.

Sokoloski’s Passion for Aviation

Aviation was another significant part of Sokoloski’s life.

His professional background included extensive flying experience. He held a commercial pilot’s license and was also certified as a flight instructor, reflecting a level of aviation training that went considerably beyond recreational flying.

That experience makes the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s collision an important focus of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators will work to establish the sequence of events leading to the crash rather than assume what caused the Cessna to veer during the landing attempt.

Previous Pennsylvania Air National Guard Service

Sokoloski’s record of service also included time with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, where he previously served in security police.

His professional journey consequently encompassed public and military service, medicine, teaching and aviation.

Each of those roles required different skills and responsibilities, creating a legacy that extended across several communities in Pennsylvania.

Investigation Into Carlisle Regional Airport Crash

Authorities continue to investigate the collision at Carlisle Regional Airport.

Investigators are expected to examine aircraft movements, airport information, physical evidence from the crash site, witness statements and other available material to reconstruct what happened immediately before impact.

At this stage, authorities have not announced a definitive cause of the collision.

No mechanical failure, pilot error or other contributing factor should be considered established until investigators complete their work and release official findings.

The investigation will also seek to clarify the positions and movements of both aircraft during the training exercise and Sokoloski’s attempted landing.

Remembering Dr. Paul Sokoloski

For the people who knew him, Sokoloski’s life will not be remembered solely through the circumstances of the fatal crash.

His work in emergency medicine placed him in a profession dedicated to helping people during some of their most urgent moments. His teaching allowed him to contribute to another generation of medical professionals, while his aviation qualifications reflected years of training and commitment to flying.

His previous military service added another dimension to a life characterized by responsibility and service.

Information concerning Sokoloski’s surviving family members and personal life was not included in the available details and should be left to his family or an official obituary announcement.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

Funeral, visitation, burial and memorial arrangements for Dr. Paul Sokoloski have not been provided in the information currently available.

His family or an authorized funeral home may announce arrangements when appropriate.

As the investigation into the Carlisle Regional Airport collision continues, Sokoloski leaves behind a professional legacy spanning medicine, education, aviation and military service.

Dr. Paul Sokoloski will be remembered by family, friends, medical colleagues, students and members of the aviation community whose lives intersected with his. Condolences are extended to everyone mourning his sudden passing, as well as to those affected by the tragic airport collision.

Disclaimer

This obituary is based on information available at the time of publication. Details concerning Paul Sokoloski’s death, the Carlisle Regional Airport aircraft collision, cause of death, autopsy, family, funeral arrangements and the circumstances leading to the crash remain subject to official findings and further updates. Information should be confirmed through the Cumberland County Coroner’s Office, investigating authorities, his family or other authorized sources. This article is intended for general informational and memorial purposes and should not be treated as a substitute for an official accident report or family obituary.