On Sunday, authorities identified two pilots who tragically lost their lives after their helicopters collided midair in Hammonton, New Jersey. Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, both local residents, had been friends for years and were known to frequent a café together near the crash site.



Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel reported that Kirsch was declared dead at an area hospital after being flown there, while Greenberg succumbed to his injuries at the crash site, approximately a mile and a half away from the Hammonton Municipal Airport.



Witnesses reported seeing the helicopters flying closely before the collision occurred. According to Friel, videos captured at the scene showed one helicopter spiraling uncontrollably towards the ground. Upon arrival, police and fire crews extinguished flames that engulfed one of the helicopters.



The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the incident involved an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C helicopter, both with just the pilots onboard.



Sal Silipino, who owns a nearby café, expressed his shock, recalling that the two pilots were regular patrons and often enjoyed their morning meals together. He along with other customers witnessed the helicopters taking off moments before one began to spin and plummet towards the ground.



Local resident Dan Dameshek described the dreadful scene as he exited a gym, hearing a loud snap before witnessing the helicopters spiraling out of control. “One helicopter went from right side up to upside down and started rapidly spinning, falling out of the air,” Dameshek reported.



The midair collision has raised questions about air traffic communications and visibility, prompting investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board to examine the incident further. Former FAA and NTSB investigator Alan Diehl noted that visibility conditions were generally good, which prompts further examination into both pilots’ communications during the flight.



As Hammonton residents mourn this tragic event, the investigation continues to unravel the circumstances leading up to the collision.