Additional Coverage:
Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Two Lives in Hammonton
HAMMONTON, NJ – A devastating mid-air collision between two helicopters near Hammonton Municipal Airport on Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of both pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the two aircraft “collided in mid-air” around 11:25 a.m. EST.
The incident involved an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C, both of which were carrying only their respective pilots. The crash site was a field approximately a mile and a half from the airport. Witnesses reported that the helicopters were flying in close proximity just prior to the collision.
The pilot of the Enstrom 280C was identified as Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, N.J. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Hammonton Police Department.
The pilot of the Enstrom F-28A, Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, N.J., was transported to Cooper University Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Hammonton Fire Department Chief Sean Macri described the scene, noting that the Enstrom 280C was heavily damaged and charred, appearing as “a pile of mangled metal that was on fire.”
The tragic event has prompted expressions of sorrow from public officials. Senator Cory Booker took to X, stating, “Reports of this morning’s fatal helicopter crash over South Jersey are horrifying and tragic.
My heart is with those impacted and their families.” Senator Andy Kim echoed these sentiments, saying, “I’m heartbroken to learn of the fatal helicopter crash that occurred in Hammonton, N.J., earlier this morning.
I know our community will rally behind the family of the individual who lost their life as we navigate this terrible tragedy.”