Two pilots dead after helicopter collision in New Jersey
Two pilots, Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, died on December 28-29, 2025, after their two Enstrom helicopters, tail numbers N520H and N102KY, collided mid-air in Hammonton, New Jersey. As of May 23, 2026, the NTSB's preliminary report indicates neither pilot filed a flight plan, both were operating as Part 91 personal flights, and the investigation is ongoing, expected to last one to two years. The NTSB confirmed direct physical contact between the aircraft, with paint transfer observed, and wreckage analysis revealed a 1,211-foot debris field. The pilots, who were friends, departed Vineland, New Jersey, minutes apart and were flying in "formation-like" proximity in non-towered airspace when the collision occurred.
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May 2026 — 1 developments
NTSB: Pilots in fatal NJ helicopter crash did not file flight plans
The NTSB's preliminary report on the helicopter collision revealed that neither pilot had filed a flight plan and both were operating as Part 91 personal flights. The investigation into the crash, which killed two pilots on December 28, 2025, is ongoing and expected to continue for one to two years.
January 2026 — 5 developments
NTSB confirms physical contact between two helicopters in collision
The NTSB investigation confirmed direct physical contact between the two helicopters, with paint transfer specifically found on one helicopter's main rotor blade to the other. This detail offers a more precise understanding of the collision point.
NTSB preliminary report details helicopter collision in non-towered airspace
The NTSB preliminary report detailed that the helicopters collided in non-towered airspace while flying in "formation-like" proximity or parallel. Surveillance video captured the impact, and wreckage analysis revealed a 1,211-foot debris field and paint chips from both aircraft, with one helicopter falling without fire and the other spinning and catching fire upon impact.
NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Vineland Mid-Air Helicopter Collision
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the mid-air collision, stating that the two Enstrom helicopters departed Vineland, New Jersey, minutes apart and identifying their tail numbers as N520H and N102KY.
NTSB preliminary report reveals helicopter pilots were friends flying from Vineland-Downstown to Hammonton.
The NTSB preliminary report revealed that the two pilots involved in the helicopter collision were friends and were flying from Vineland-Downstown Airport to Hammonton Municipal Airport.
NTSB preliminary report indicates helicopters were converging before mid-air collision
The NTSB preliminary report on the helicopter collision indicated that the two aircraft were converging before the mid-air crash. This detail provides a more specific description of their flight path leading up to the incident.
December 2025 — 8 developments
Homeowner Caitlyn Collins witnessed helicopter collision, held dying pilot's hand
A homeowner, Caitlyn Collins, witnessed the helicopter collision in her backyard and recounted holding a dying pilot's hand. The Hammonton police chief described it as one of the worst aviation crashes in recent memory.
Second Pilot Dies in New Jersey Helicopter Collision, Raising Fatality Count to Two
The second pilot involved in the midair helicopter collision in New Jersey has died, bringing the total number of fatalities to two. Both pilots have been identified.
Second pilot, Michael Greenberg, dies from injuries, bringing total fatalities to two
The second critically injured pilot has died, bringing the total fatalities to two. Authorities identified the deceased pilots as Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71.
FAA identifies helicopters in crash, new video shows one spinning out of control
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the helicopters involved as an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C. Additionally, new video footage reportedly shows one of the aircraft spinning out of control before the crash.
Two pilots die in mid-air helicopter collision near Hammonton, New Jersey
Two pilots, Kenneth L. Kirsch and Michael Greenberg, died after their Enstrom F-28A and Enstrom 280C helicopters collided mid-air on December 28, 2025, near Hammonton, New Jersey. One helicopter burst into flames upon impact, while the other fell without fire. The NTSB is investigating the incident, which occurred shortly after the pilots departed Hammonton Municipal Airport.
Authorities withhold victim identities and crash details Sunday morning
As of late Sunday morning, the identities of the victims and specific details about what caused the crash had not yet been released by authorities.
Authorities request public avoid Basin Road for emergency operations
Authorities requested residents and travelers to avoid Basin Road to allow emergency crews to safely conduct rescue and investigation operations.
Hammonton Emergency Services Respond to Fiery Aviation Crash
Emergency services, including Hammonton Police and Fire Departments, responded to reports of the aviation crash, with one of the aircraft found engulfed in flames.