A mid-air collision between two helicopters in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon has resulted in the death of one pilot and left another with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency Response to the Crash Scene
Police in Hammonton, located approximately 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia, were called to reports of an aviation crash at around 11:25 a.m. on Sunday, 29 December 2025. First responders discovered a devastating scene where one of the aircraft was engulfed in flames, which fire crews successfully extinguished.
The Hammonton Police Department confirmed the tragic outcome on social media, stating, "There is confirmed one fatality at this point and one subject transported by EMS with critical life-threatening injuries." Officials confirmed that only the pilots were on board each aircraft at the time of the incident.
Details of the Aircraft and Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the involved aircraft as an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter. The collision occurred in the airspace over Hammonton Municipal Airport.
Videos shared on social media in the aftermath showed thick, gray smoke billowing from the crash site. Other disturbing footage appeared to capture one of the helicopters spinning uncontrollably as it descended towards the ground.
Authorities have been quick to warn the public about the spread of misinformation. The Hammonton Fire Department issued a statement noting that artificial intelligence-generated images and videos, falsely portrayed as originating from the incident, were being circulated online. "We also ask community members to think before sharing content, as this is a tragic incident and an ongoing investigation," the department added.
Ongoing Investigations and Area Closure
Local police have urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation is underway. The crash is now under the scrutiny of two major federal bodies. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will lead the investigation into the causes of the fatal mid-air collision.
The community and aviation authorities are now awaiting answers as to how this tragic accident occurred over the New Jersey airfield.
