Commercial Aviation
Two Pilots Killed in Mid-Air Helicopter Collision in New Jersey
Two pilots died after a mid-air collision between two Enstrom helicopters near Hammonton Municipal Airport, NJ. NTSB and FAA are investigating.
This article summarizes reporting by The New York Times. The original report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
Two pilots lost their lives on Sunday morning following a mid-air collision between two light helicopters in Hammonton, New Jersey. The crash occurred shortly after the pair had taken off from the nearby Hammonton Municipal Airport. According to reporting by The New York Times and local authorities, the accident took place in visual meteorological conditions, prompting an immediate investigation by federal safety officials.
The victims, identified as close friends who frequently flew together, had shared a meal just minutes before the tragedy. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have arrived on the scene to determine how the two aircraft collided in what witnesses described as a sudden and shocking event.
This incident highlights the critical nature of “see and avoid” protocols in general aviation. As investigators begin piecing together radar data and witness statements, the aviation community in Atlantic County is mourning the loss of two experienced local pilots.
The collision occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. EST on December 28, 2025. Authorities located the crash site in a farm field near the 100 block of Basin Road and the White Horse Pike, roughly 1.5 miles from the runway at Hammonton Municipal Airport (N81).
According to preliminary information released by the FAA, the aircraft involved were an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C. Both are light, piston-powered helicopters often used for personal flight and training. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopters flying in close proximity, described by some as “in tandem”, before the impact occurred.
p>Dan Dameshek, a local resident who witnessed the aftermath, described the moment of impact to local reporters:
“I heard a loud snap… then saw the helicopters spinning out of control. One went upside down immediately.”
Following the collision, one helicopter spiraled rapidly into the field, while the other crashed nearby. Emergency responders reported that one of the aircraft was engulfed in flames upon impact. Police have identified the pilots as Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, New Jersey, and Kenneth Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, New Jersey. Greenberg was pronounced dead at the scene. Kirsch was airlifted to a regional trauma center in critical condition but subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
The tragedy is compounded by the close relationship between the two men. Sal Silipino, the owner of the Apron Café located at the airport, told reporters that the men were regulars who ate at his establishment weekly. They had finished breakfast together at the café just moments before walking to their helicopters to depart.
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision. While a full report may take months, early inquiries are focusing on the pilots’ ability to maintain visual separation. In uncontrolled airspace and visual flight conditions, pilots are responsible for the “see and avoid” principle.
Investigators are currently:
Weather reports from the time of the crash indicate mostly cloudy skies with light winds and good visibility, suggesting that weather was likely not a primary factor in the collision.
Mid-air collisions in general aviation are rare but often fatal. When two aircraft are flying in formation or loose tandem without formal briefing or strict protocols, the risk of a blind-spot collision increases. The NTSB investigation will likely scrutinize the flight path geometry to understand how two experienced pilots lost track of one another in clear skies. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the relentless vigilance required during formation flying or when operating in close proximity to other aircraft.
Where did the crash occur? What types of aircraft were involved? Were there any survivors? What is the suspected cause? Sources: The New York Times, NTSB, FAA
Two Pilots Killed in Mid-Air Helicopters Collision Over New Jersey
Incident Details and Timeline
Victims and Context
Investigation Focus
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The collision took place over a farm field in Hammonton, New Jersey, approximately 1.5 miles from the Hammonton Municipal Airport.
The helicopters were identified as an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C.
No. Both pilots, who were the sole occupants of their respective aircraft, died as a result of the crash.
While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary attention is on a potential failure to “see and avoid” the other aircraft while flying in close proximity.
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