Authorities examine the crash site in Hammonton, New Jersey, after two helicopters collided in the air on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. AP Photo
A deadly midair helicopter collision shocked a quiet New Jersey community on Sunday, leaving one pilot dead and another fighting for life. The crash happened near a local airport and unfolded in front of stunned witnesses who watched the aircraft fall from the sky.
Collision Near Hammonton Airport
Authorities said two helicopters collided in midair late Sunday morning over Hammonton Municipal Airport. The crash occurred around 11:25 a.m., prompting an immediate emergency response.
Kevin Friel, the police chief of Hammonton, said officers and firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving reports of an aviation accident. One helicopter burst into flames after hitting the ground, and crews quickly worked to put out the fire.
Pilots Were the Only Occupants
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash involved an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter. Each aircraft carried only its pilot.
One pilot died at the scene. Emergency responders rushed the second pilot to hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved.
Witnesses Describe Terrifying Moments
Several people nearby saw the collision happen. Sal Silipino, who owns a café close to the airport, said the pilots often stopped in for breakfast and were well known in the area. He watched as both helicopters took off shortly before the crash.
“It was shocking,” he said. “I’m still shaking after that happened.”
Another resident, Dan Dameshek, said he had just left a gym when he heard a loud snapping sound and looked up.
“Immediately, the first helicopter went from right side up to upside down and started rapidly spinning, falling out of the air,” he said. He added that the second helicopter appeared stable for a moment before it also began to spin downward.
Investigation Gets Underway
Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Chief Friel said investigators will review flight paths, pilot communication, and visibility conditions.
Aviation expert Alan Diehl, a former investigator, said midair collisions often happen when pilots fail to spot one another in time.
“Virtually all midair collisions are a failure to what they call ‘see and avoid,’” Diehl said. “Clearly they’ll be looking at the out-of-cockpit views of the two aircraft and seeing if one pilot was approaching from the blind side.”
Weather Not a Factor
Weather conditions likely did not play a major role. Forecasters reported cloudy skies at the time, but winds remained light and visibility stayed good. Investigators will still examine all possible factors before drawing conclusions.
Community Left Reeling
Hammonton, a town of about 15,000 people in Atlantic County, sits near the Pine Barrens and has a long agricultural history. Residents said the crash deeply shook the community, especially given how visible and sudden the incident was.
As investigators continue their work, officials say they will focus on determining exactly how the two helicopters crossed paths in clear conditions, leading to such a tragic outcome.
