Two experienced pilots, who were close friends, have died after their helicopters collided in mid-air shortly after taking off from a New Jersey airport. The fatal crash occurred on Sunday morning near Hammonton Municipal Airport.
A Final Meal Before Tragedy
The pilots, identified as 65-year-old Kenneth Kirsch and 71-year-old Michael Greenberg, were regulars at the Apron Cafe, located within the airport. According to cafe owner Sal Silipino, the pair shared breakfast there shortly before their final flight. He described them as kind, regular customers who would often visit together before takeoffs.
"They were just at our café having breakfast," a shaken Silipino told reporters. "It was shocking. Still shaking to see that happen." The Hammonton Police Chief, Kevin Friel, confirmed the men were friends who had flown in, eaten together, and were leaving the airport in unison.
The Mid-Air Collision and Aftermath
The accident happened around 11.30am on Sunday in the area of Basin Road. Witnesses reported seeing the two Enstrom helicopters—one an F-28A flown by Kirsch and the other a 280C piloted by Greenberg—flying in close proximity before the collision.
One helicopter crashed into a tree line, while the other went down in a nearby field. Michael Greenberg was pronounced dead at the scene. Kenneth Kirsch was airlifted to a hospital in Camden but later succumbed to his injuries.
Eyewitness Dan Dameshek described a harrowing scene: "Immediately, the first helicopter went from right side up to upside down and started rapidly spinning, falling out of the air." He said the second helicopter seemed stable for a moment before also spinning out of control.
Investigation and Community Impact
On Monday, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examined the crash site. A spokesperson noted the debris field stretched about 100 yards and contained parts from the main and tail rotors of both aircraft. The helicopters are expected to be removed from the site on Tuesday for further analysis.
The NTSB stated a preliminary report on the cause of the crash is expected within approximately 30 days. Both men had received their private pilot licences in 2014, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.
The town of Hammonton, with a population of around 15,000 and situated 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way said she was aware of the incident and monitoring the situation.
