A tragic midair helicopter collision in South Jersey has claimed both pilots’ lives.
Story Overview
- Both helicopter pilots from Sunday’s midair collision in Hammonton, New Jersey have died from their injuries
- Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, were identified as the victims who crashed shortly after takeoff
- NTSB and FAA investigations are underway with preliminary findings expected within 30 days
- Local residents provided immediate assistance to victims before emergency responders arrived
Second Pilot Succumbs to Injuries
Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, died Monday from critical injuries sustained in Sunday’s helicopter collision near Hammonton.
Kirsch was piloting an Enstrom F-28A helicopter when it collided with another aircraft operated by Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, New Jersey. Greenberg, flying an Enstrom 280C, was pronounced dead at the crash scene near Basin Road and White Horse Pike in Atlantic County. Both men were the sole occupants of their respective aircraft.
Second pilot in NJ helicopter collision dies — both aviators ID’d as long-time friends https://t.co/dSTIHPBlUM pic.twitter.com/dYM5Ur3g1g
— New York Post (@nypost) December 29, 2025
Collision Details and Emergency Response
The midair collision occurred at 11:25 a.m. Sunday, shortly after both helicopters departed from Hammonton Municipal Airport. Emergency responders arrived to find one helicopter completely engulfed in flames while the other had crashed in a residential backyard.
Local resident Caitlyn Collins provided immediate comfort to the critically injured pilot, staying with him until paramedics arrived. Collins described holding his hand and reassuring him that help was coming as sirens approached the crash site.
Federal Investigation Launches
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have initiated comprehensive investigations into the collision. NTSB investigators returned to the crash site Monday to document a debris field spanning approximately 100 yards. Both aircraft will be transported to a secure facility Tuesday for detailed examination.
The NTSB expects to release preliminary findings within 30 days, though the complete investigation typically takes much longer to determine the exact cause of such incidents.
Community Response and Leadership Statement
New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, herself a former Navy helicopter pilot, expressed condolences to the victims’ families through social media. Sherrill praised emergency responders and community members who assisted at the scene.
Local neighbors played crucial roles in directing emergency crews to the crash sites and providing immediate aid to survivors. The incident underscores the importance of community preparedness and the value of citizens willing to help during emergencies rather than relying solely on government response.
Aviation Safety Concerns
This collision raises questions about airspace management and safety protocols for private aircraft operations near smaller municipal airports. With increasing air traffic and aging aircraft fleets, ensuring proper oversight without excessive federal regulation remains a delicate balance.
The investigation will likely examine communication protocols, weather conditions, and pilot experience factors. Such incidents remind us that aviation safety depends on personal responsibility, proper training, and reasonable regulatory frameworks rather than bureaucratic overreach that stifles private aviation freedom.
