Full Breakdown
Midair Helicopter Collision in Hammonton, New Jersey: Investigation Underway
12/29/2025, 10:53:31 PM
Incident Overview
On December 28, 2025, at approximately 11:25 a.m., two helicopters collided midair near Hammonton Municipal Airport in Hammonton, New Jersey, resulting in one fatality and critical injuries to another pilot. The aircraft involved were an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C, both of which were occupied solely by their pilots. The collision occurred about a mile and a half from the airport, with one helicopter crashing into a field and the other landing in a treeline, subsequently engulfed in flames.
Key Figures
The pilots involved in the incident were identified as Kenneth Kirsch, 65, from Carney's Point, and Michael Greenberg, 71, from Sewell. Both men were long-time friends who frequently shared meals at a local café before flying. Kirsch was pronounced dead at Cooper Hospital after being airlifted from the scene, while Greenberg died at the crash site.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local resident Caitlyn Collins witnessed the crash as one of the helicopters landed in her backyard. She rushed to assist Kirsch, holding his hand and reassuring him until emergency responders arrived. Collins described the chaotic scene, stating, “The only thing I could think to do was to sit down and hold his hand and just talk to him.” Another witness, Dan Dameshek, reported seeing one helicopter spiraling downward before both aircraft crashed.
Investigation Details
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting investigations into the incident. The NTSB's inquiry will focus on the pilots, the aircraft, and the operating environment, particularly examining communications between the two pilots and whether they maintained visual separation. Alan Diehl, a former crash investigator, noted that midair collisions often result from failures in the "see and avoid" principle, which will be a key aspect of the investigation.
Official Statements
Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel emphasized the potential for a more catastrophic outcome, stating, “Luckily, there was not any industry or commercial buildings or populated areas it went down in.” The FAA and NTSB are expected to release preliminary reports within 30 days, detailing their findings and any contributing factors to the collision.
Conclusion
The tragic midair collision in Hammonton has drawn attention to aviation safety, particularly concerning small aircraft operations without air traffic control guidance. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of two experienced pilots and reflects on the incident's implications for local aviation practices.
