HAMMONTON, December 29 (TNF): Two pilots lost their lives after their helicopters collided mid-air on Sunday above the city of Hammonton in the US state of New Jersey, local police confirmed.
The Hammonton Police Department identified the victims as Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71. Both men were residents of New Jersey. The information was shared by CBS, a BBC news partner.
According to authorities, each helicopter was carrying only one person at the time of the crash. No passengers were on board either aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in an official statement.
The collision occurred at approximately 11:25am local time (16:25 GMT). Investigators said the crash involved two lightweight helicopters: an Enstrom 280C and an Enstrom F-28A.
Both aircraft models are typically used for training, private aviation and light transport. They are designed to carry three people or fewer.
Hammonton lies around 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia, near the Atlantic City Expressway. The area includes open land and low-density development, which helped prevent further casualties on the ground.
Police said one of the helicopters burst into flames after hitting the ground. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and worked to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters secured the crash site while law enforcement officers blocked nearby roads to allow rescue and recovery operations.
Despite the rapid response, both pilots were pronounced dead at the scene.
The FAA confirmed that it has launched a federal investigation into the cause of the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will also take part in the inquiry.
Investigators will examine flight paths, weather conditions, communication records and aircraft maintenance logs. They will also look into whether the pilots were in contact with air traffic control at the time.
Authorities have not yet said whether the helicopters were flying as part of a coordinated operation or on separate private routes.
Police stressed that it is too early to determine what caused the aircraft to collide.
“This is an active investigation,” the FAA said, adding that further details would be released once more information becomes available.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing a loud noise before seeing debris fall from the sky. Some residents described seeing smoke rising from the crash site moments later.
Local officials said there was no immediate threat to the public after the incident. They praised first responders for securing the area quickly.
The crash has renewed attention on helicopter safety in the United States.
According to FAA data, the overall rate of deadly helicopter accidents has declined over the past three years. Improved pilot training, stricter maintenance standards and better safety technology have contributed to the trend.
However, mid-air collisions remain a serious concern, particularly in areas with mixed air traffic.
Earlier this year, a military helicopter collided with a passenger jet in Washington, DC, killing 67 people. That incident prompted renewed scrutiny of airspace management and coordination between civilian and military aircraft.
Aviation experts say most mid-air collisions result from a combination of human error, limited visibility and congested airspace.
They also note that helicopters often operate at lower altitudes, where visual separation plays a critical role.
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks. A final report, which could take months, will outline the exact cause and any safety recommendations.
In the meantime, officials urged pilots to remain vigilant and follow established flight protocols, especially in shared airspace.
Local authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
“This is a tragic loss,” a police official said. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The identities of the pilots were released after their next of kin were notified.
The crash site will remain restricted until investigators complete their on-site work. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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