Tragedy in Hammonton: Authorities Identify Pilots Killed in New Jersey Midair Helicopter Collision
Authorities identify Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg as the pilots killed in a southern New Jersey midair collision.
A quiet Monday morning in southern New Jersey turned into a scene of tragedy as authorities released the identities of two pilots killed in a devastating midair collision. The incident, which occurred near Hammonton, has sent shockwaves through the local aviation community and the tight-knit neighborhoods where the victims lived.
Identifying the Victims: A Story of Friendship
The Hammonton Police Department identified the deceased as Kenneth Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, and Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell. Beyond their shared passion for flying, the two men were known to be close friends.
According to Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel, the duo shared a frequent morning routine: meeting for breakfast at a local cafe near the crash site. On the day of the accident, they had been flying in close proximity to one another—a common practice among experienced pilots who often fly in formation or alongside friends—just before the fatal impact occurred.
Details of the Incident
The collision took place approximately 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia, near the Hammonton Municipal Airport. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing the two helicopters flying unusually close together shortly before the collision.
The wreckage came down in a rural farm field, roughly a mile and a half from the airport runway. The emergency response was immediate, but the outcome was grim. Michael Greenberg was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Kenneth Kirsch was airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but authorities later confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The Ongoing NTSB Investigation
In the wake of the crash, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have taken over the site. On Monday, specialized teams were seen meticulously combing through the debris field, which spans a significant area of the farm field.
The NTSB’s primary focus will be determining the mechanical state of both aircraft and reviewing any available flight data or communication logs. A preliminary report is expected within the next few weeks, though a full determination of the “probable cause” of the collision could take up to a year or more. Investigators are also asking any witnesses who may have captured video of the helicopters before the impact to come forward.
A Loss for the New Jersey Aviation Community
The loss of Kirsch and Greenberg is deeply felt in the southern New Jersey region. Both men were described by those who knew them as experienced pilots who respected the craft of aviation. This incident highlights the inherent risks of midair maneuvers and the importance of stringent safety protocols, even for seasoned aviators.
As the investigation continues, the community remembers two friends who spent their final moments doing what they loved, side-by-side in the skies of New Jersey.
Sources:
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
