Two experienced helicopter pilots have died following a devastating midair collision in New Jersey, highlighting growing concerns about aviation safety in increasingly crowded airspace above American communities.
Story Overview
- Both pilots from Sunday’s helicopter crash in Hammonton, New Jersey have now died from their injuries
- Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, were identified as the victims of the midair collision
- The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Hammonton Municipal Airport at 11:25 a.m.
- NTSB and FAA investigators are examining the wreckage to determine the cause
Second Pilot Succumbs to Critical Injuries
Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, died Monday from injuries sustained in Sunday’s helicopter collision. Kirsch had been piloting an Enstrom model F-28A helicopter when the midair crash occurred.
He was initially transported to a hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts. The second pilot, 71-year-old Michael Greenberg of Sewell, New Jersey, was pronounced dead at the crash site near Basin Road and White Horse Pike in Atlantic County.
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
Both helicopters departed from Hammonton Municipal Airport shortly before colliding at 11:25 a.m. on Sunday. Greenberg was operating an Enstrom model 280C helicopter when the fatal collision occurred.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, both pilots were the sole occupants of their respective aircraft. When firefighters arrived at the scene, one helicopter was completely engulfed in flames, demonstrating the severity of the impact and the dangers these first responders face daily.
Local resident Caitlyn Collins displayed remarkable courage when one helicopter crashed in her backyard. Collins immediately ran to the wreckage and stayed with the critically injured Kirsch, holding his hand and providing comfort until emergency responders arrived.
Her compassionate actions exemplify the community spirit and willingness to help others that defines small-town America. Other neighbors also assisted by directing emergency crews to the crash site.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have launched comprehensive investigations into the crash. NTSB investigators returned to the crash site Monday morning to document a debris field spanning approximately 100 yards.
Both helicopters will be removed Tuesday and transported to a secure location for detailed examination. The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days, which should provide initial insights into the cause of this tragic accident.
New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, herself a former Navy helicopter pilot, expressed condolences for the victims’ families and gratitude for emergency responders.
Her background in military aviation adds weight to her understanding of the risks these pilots face. The investigation will be crucial for determining whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or human error contributed to this devastating collision that claimed two lives.
