Two helicopters collided in midair and crashed Sunday morning in southern New Jersey, resulting in the death of one pilot and critical injury to another. Authorities said the accident occurred near a small municipal airport, as federal investigators began examining what caused the deadly event.
The crash happened at about 11:25 a.m. near Hammonton, the Federal Aviation Administration said. An Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter collided near Hammonton Municipal Airport. At the time, only the pilots were on board.
Both helicopters crashed in a Hammonton field, where emergency crews quickly secured the area and began rescue efforts. Hammonton Fire Chief Sean Macri said both victims were airlifted to a trauma center; one later died.
“One victim was in possible cardiac arrest when taken aboard an ambulance,” Macri told CNN, highlighting the severity of the injuries. Authorities did not immediately release the pilots’ identities.
Video from CNN affiliate WPVI showed a debris field cordoned off by police tape, with aircraft parts scattered on the ground. The red Enstrom F-28A was heavily damaged, and the white Enstrom 280C was charred and difficult to identify.
“It was hard to even tell it was a helicopter,” Macri said. The Enstrom 280C, he added, “looked like mangled metal that was on fire.”
Witnesses expressed shock as the scene unfolded. Sal Silipino, owner of the Apron Cafe at Hammonton Municipal Airport, said both pilots were regulars who ate breakfast at his restaurant just before takeoff.
“They’re very kind to all the staff,” Silipino told the Associated Press. He watched the helicopters depart and was stunned by news of the crash. “They really looked good, so it’s hard to believe.”
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation and sent an investigator to the scene. They plan to analyze flight data, maintenance records, air traffic control communications, and witness accounts as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The NTSB noted that after documenting the wreckage, both helicopters will be moved to a secure facility for further analysis. A preliminary report is expected within weeks, but a final determination may take months.
The crash drew swift responses from New Jersey officials. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said his office was in contact with federal investigators and seeking details.
“Reports of this morning’s fatal crash in South Jersey are horrifying and tragic,” Booker wrote. “My heart is with those impacted and their families.”
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim echoed these sentiments, saying he was “heartbroken” to learn of the crash and trusted the community would support the victim’s family.
“The community will rally behind the family as we face this tragedy,” Kim wrote.
Hammonton, located in Atlantic County, is a town of roughly 14,000 residents. It is about 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The town sits near the edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a vast forested wilderness that surrounds much of the area around the airport. Stay clear of the crash site while emergency crews and investigators continue their work. The Hammonton Fire Department asked bystanders to avoid the area to allow first responders and federal officials unobstructed access as the investigation proceeds.
Federal authorities noted midair helicopter collisions are rare but often catastrophic near airports without control towers. Officials cautioned against speculation until more facts emerge.
Authorities stated that additional information will be provided as the NTSB and FAA continue their investigation into the helicopter collision near Hammonton Municipal Airport.
