NTSB Preliminary Report on Hammonton Enstrom Helicopter Collision

This article is based on an official preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and verified data regarding the investigation.

NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings on Hammonton Midair Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its preliminary report regarding the fatal midair collision between two Enstrom helicopters that occurred on December 28, 2025, near Hammonton, New Jersey. The report confirms that the two aircraft were operating in close proximity in uncontrolled airspace shortly before impact.

According to the NTSB’s initial factual findings, the accident took place at approximately 11:25 a.m. EST, about 1.5 miles from the Hammonton Municipal Airport (N81). Both pilots, who were the sole occupants of their respective helicopters, sustained fatal injuries. The investigation highlights that visual meteorological conditions (VFR) prevailed at the time, with clear weather and light winds reported in the area.

While a final determination of probable cause is expected to take 12 to 18 months, this preliminary document establishes the factual timeline and conditions surrounding the tragedy.

Flight Details and Sequence of Events

The collision involved an Enstrom F-28A (registration N520H) and an Enstrom 280C Shark (registration N280MG). Investigators established that both aircraft departed from Hammonton Municipal Airport shortly before the accident. Data retrieved from ADS-B flight tracking and witness statements indicate that the helicopters were flying near each other, with some witnesses describing the flight path as “tandem” or formation-style.

The NTSB report notes that the collision occurred at a low altitude. Following the impact, both helicopters descended rapidly into a farm field near Basin Road and the White Horse Pike. The wreckage distribution spanned approximately 100 yards, consisting of separated rotor blades and fuselage components.

Wreckage and Post-Crash Fire

The preliminary examination of the crash site revealed distinct outcomes for the two airframes:

• N280MG (Enstrom 280C): Upon impacting the ground, this aircraft was immediately engulfed in a post-crash fire which consumed the majority of the fuselage. The pilot, identified as 71-year-old Michael Greenberg, sustained fatal injuries at the scene.
• N520H (Enstrom F-28A): This helicopter impacted the ground nearby but did not catch fire. First responders extricated the pilot, 65-year-old Kenneth L. Kirsch, who was transported to a trauma center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Pilot Background and Operational Environment

Information gathered by investigators and local authorities paints a picture of two experienced pilots who were familiar with one another. According to the report details, the pilots were friends who frequently flew together. On the morning of the accident, they had shared breakfast at the Apron Cafe located at the airport prior to their departure.

The airspace surrounding Hammonton Municipal Airport is Class G/E uncontrolled airspace, meaning there is no operating air traffic control tower to direct separation. In this environment, pilots rely strictly on “see and avoid” principles and communication via the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF).

Investigation Focus Areas

The NTSB has stated that the ongoing investigation will focus on several key areas to determine why the aircraft collided:

• Visual Lookout: Investigators will analyze cockpit visibility and potential blind spots inherent to the Enstrom F-28 and 280 series to determine if physical obstructions prevented the pilots from seeing one another.
• Formation Protocols: The inquiry will assess whether a formation flight was pre-briefed and if standard safety protocols for formation flying were adhered to.
• Electronic Data Analysis: Recovered GPS units and mobile devices will be analyzed alongside ADS-B data to reconstruct precise flight paths and closure rates.

AirPro News Analysis

The tragedy in Hammonton underscores the critical risks associated with formation flying in general aviation, particularly in low-wing or rotorcraft environments where visibility can be restricted. While Enstrom helicopters are widely regarded for their stability and safety, with no history of systemic defects that would suggest a mechanical cause for this event, the geometry of a helicopter’s structure can create significant blind spots.

In uncontrolled airspace, the “see and avoid” concept is the primary defense against midair collisions. However, when aircraft intentionally operate in close proximity for formation flight, the margin for error evaporates. We anticipate the final NTSB report will heavily scrutinize the pre-flight coordination between the two pilots, as effective formation flying requires rigorous briefing and standardized procedures that go beyond casual coordination.

Sources

Sources: NTSB Preliminary Report, FAA, Local Authorities (Hammonton Police Department)