A devastating mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey has left one pilot dead and another critically injured, raising urgent questions about aviation safety at small municipal airports. The crash occurred Sunday morning near Hammonton Municipal Airport, transforming a routine day of flying into a tragic and unforgettable scene.

Emergency responders were called to the airport shortly after 11:25 a.m. local time following reports of an aviation accident involving two helicopters. According to the Hammonton Police Department, first responders arrived to find wreckage scattered across airport grounds and one helicopter engulfed in flames.

Fire crews quickly worked to extinguish the blaze while police secured the area. Despite rescue efforts, one pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. The second pilot survived the initial impact but suffered critical, life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed the crash was a mid-air collision between an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C helicopter, both single-pilot aircraft.

Several eyewitnesses described chilling moments as the helicopters collided and fell from view.

Sal Silipino, who owns a café near the airport, told reporters the pilots were well known in the community.
“They were regulars—always came in together for breakfast,” he said. “We watched them take off. Then suddenly, one helicopter started spinning downward. Seconds later, the other followed. Nobody could believe what we were seeing.”

Another witness, local resident Dan Dameshek, said he heard a sharp cracking sound before turning around.
“One helicopter flipped upside down and went straight into the ground,” he said. “For a moment, it looked like the other one might be okay—then there was another loud hit, like metal slamming together, and it started spinning out of control.”

Video footage circulating online captured portions of the incident, though officials later warned that some images and clips shared on social media were fake or AI-generated.

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way confirmed that multiple agencies responded to the scene, including:

“At this time, there is at least one confirmed fatality,” Way said, adding that the crash remains under investigation.

The Hammonton Fire Department issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid sharing unverified images and videos.
“This is a tragic incident involving real people,” the department said. “Please rely on confirmed information from official sources.”

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened a full investigation into the New Jersey helicopter crash. Investigators will examine:

While preliminary findings may be released within days, aviation experts note that a final NTSB report could take several months.

Hammonton Municipal Airport is known for its tight-knit aviation culture, where pilots often fly recreationally and socialize together. News of the fatal crash spread quickly, leaving fellow pilots, airport staff, and local business owners shaken.

“This wasn’t just an accident—it was personal,” Silipino said. “Everyone here knows everyone.”

Counseling resources are expected to be offered to first responders and witnesses affected by the traumatic incident.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about mid-air collision risks at small airports, particularly where helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft share airspace without continuous tower control.

Aviation safety experts say collisions remain rare but can occur when aircraft operate in close proximity under visual flight rules. Investigators will seek to determine whether airspace congestion, communication breakdowns, or visibility issues played a role.

Flights at Hammonton Municipal Airport were temporarily disrupted as investigators documented the crash site. Normal operations are expected to resume once federal authorities complete their on-site examination.

This incident stands as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in aviation, even under clear skies and familiar conditions.