Two pilots dead after helicopter collision in New Jersey
Two pilots, Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, died on December 29, 2025, after their Enstrom F-28A and Enstrom 280C helicopters collided mid-air near Hammonton, New Jersey. As of January 16, 2026, the NTSB investigation confirmed direct physical contact between the two helicopters, with paint transfer found on one helicopter's main rotor blade to the other. The NTSB preliminary report detailed that the helicopters, tail numbers N520H and N102KY, departed Vineland, New Jersey, minutes apart and collided in non-towered airspace while flying in "formation-like" proximity, resulting in a 1,211-foot debris field. Surveillance video captured the impact, with one helicopter falling without fire and the other spinning and catching fire upon impact, a scene witnessed by homeowner Caitlyn Collins.
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January 2026 — 5 developments
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.
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.
The NTSB preliminary report detailed that the helicopters collided in non-towered airspace while flying in "formation-like" proximity or parallel.
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.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the mid-air colli…
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.
The NTSB preliminary report revealed that the two pilots involved in the helicopter collision were f…
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.
The NTSB preliminary report on the helicopter collision indicated that the two aircraft were converging before the mid-air crash.
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
A homeowner, Caitlyn Collins, witnessed the helicopter collision in her backyard and recounted holding a 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.
The second pilot involved in the midair helicopter collision in New Jersey has died, bringing the total number of fatalities 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.
The second critically injured pilot has died, bringing the 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.
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the helicopters involved as an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C.
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, Kenneth L.
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.
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.
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 requested residents and travelers to avoid Basin Road to allow emergency crews to safely conduct rescue and investigation operations.
Authorities requested residents and travelers to avoid Basin Road to allow emergency crews to safely conduct rescue and investigation operations.
Emergency services, including Hammonton Police and Fire Departments, responded to reports of the aviation crash, with one of the aircraft found engulfed in flames.
Emergency services, including Hammonton Police and Fire Departments, responded to reports of the aviation crash, with one of the aircraft found engulfed in flames.