Two Enstrom helicopters collided in midair shortly after departing Hammonton Municipal Airport on Dec. 28, killing pilot Michael Greenberg at the scene and Kenneth L. Kirsch later in hospital. Witnesses said the aircraft were flying close together; both men had dined together at a nearby café before taking off. Residents aided an injured pilot on the ground, and the NTSB has launched an investigation with a preliminary report expected in about 30 days.
Second Pilot Dies After Midair Collision Between Two Helicopters Near Hammonton, N.J.
Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via GettyThe crash site in Hammonton, N.J. following the crash on Dec. 28.
A second pilot has died after two helicopters collided in midair shortly after departing Hammonton Municipal Airport in southern New Jersey, authorities said. The crash occurred on Dec. 28 and left wreckage scattered across a roughly 100-yard debris field as federal investigators opened a probe.
Hammonton Police announced on Dec. 29 that 65-year-old Kenneth L. Kirsch died at a Camden hospital from injuries he sustained when his Enstrom F-28A collided with an Enstrom 280C flown by 71-year-old Michael Greenberg. The accident happened at about 11:25 a.m., police said.
Officials reported that one helicopter erupted in flames and came down in a field near the 100 block of Basin Road, while the other struck a treeline. Local firefighters extinguished the blaze, and rescuers pulled one pilot from the helicopter that hit the trees. Kirsch received on-scene treatment and was airlifted to a hospital; Greenberg was pronounced dead at the crash site.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Response
Witnesses told police they saw the two aircraft flying close together before the collision. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said the men were acquaintances who often flew in together and had just shared a meal at a nearby café prior to departing the airport.
Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via GettyEmergency responders at the scene of the fatal helicopter crash.
They apparently are friends, fly into the airport, have a meal together at the café and were leaving together. Friends. — Chief Kevin Friel
Sal Silipino, owner of the Apron Café where the pilots had eaten, described them as regular customers and said staff watched in disbelief as both aircraft descended. Local resident Caitlyn Collins said a helicopter crashed into her backyard; she, her husband and an off-duty officer went to help. Collins recalled sitting beside a conscious pilot on the ground and holding his hand while calming him until emergency crews arrived.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation. Agency representatives reported the debris field contains main and tail rotors and spans about 100 yards. Both helicopters are scheduled to be recovered from the scene and moved to a secure location for detailed examination. The NTSB expects to publish a preliminary report in approximately 30 days.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had no additional comment at the time of the announcement. Chief Friel noted the crash could have been far worse if either aircraft had struck a populated area: 'One of the helicopters burst into flames; luckily, there was not any industry or commercial buildings or populated areas it went down in. It could have gone a lot worse, and there could have been a lot more loss of life.'
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the midair collision and will release further details as they become available.
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