Both pilots involved in a midair helicopter collision over South Jersey have now succumbed to their injuries, authorities confirmed Monday, marking a tragic conclusion to what investigators are calling a rare and devastating aviation accident.
Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, died at a hospital from injuries sustained in the Sunday morning collision. Kirsch had been airlifted in critical condition following the crash near Basin Road and White Horse Pike in Atlantic County. Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, New Jersey, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. Sunday, shortly after both helicopters departed from Hammonton Municipal Airport. Kirsch was piloting an Enstrom model F-28A helicopter, while Greenberg operated an Enstrom model 280C. Both men were the sole occupants of their respective aircraft.
Emergency responders arriving at the crash site encountered one helicopter completely engulfed in flames. The intensity of the fire and the nature of the collision presented immediate challenges to first responders, though their efforts enabled the initial transport of Kirsch to medical facilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this midair collision. NTSB investigators returned to the crash site early Monday morning to continue their examination of the wreckage and surrounding area.
According to the NTSB, the investigation will concentrate on three primary areas: the pilots, the aircraft, and the operating environment. This standard investigative approach seeks to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, environmental conditions, or a combination of factors contributed to the collision.
A preliminary report from the NTSB could be released as early as Monday, though comprehensive findings typically require months of detailed analysis. Such reports generally outline the basic facts of an incident without drawing conclusions about probable cause.
Midair collisions between helicopters, while not unprecedented, remain relatively uncommon in general aviation. The proximity of the departure times and location suggests both aircraft were operating in the same airspace near the municipal airport, though investigators have not yet determined the specific flight paths or circumstances that led to the collision.
The Hammonton Municipal Airport serves general aviation traffic in Atlantic County. The facility accommodates various private and recreational aircraft operations, including helicopter traffic.
As investigators continue their work, questions remain about visibility conditions, communication protocols, and the flight plans of both aircraft at the time of the collision. The NTSB’s thorough investigation will examine all available evidence, including any recorded communications, weather data, and witness statements.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, even for experienced pilots operating in familiar airspace. The loss of both pilots represents a tragedy for their families and the broader aviation community in South Jersey.
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