Fatal Midair Helicopter Collision in New Jersey Leaves One Dead and Another Critical

2025-12-29 general

Trenton, Monday, 29 December 2025.
Authorities are investigating reports that two helicopters were flying in tandem prior to a fatal midair collision in New Jersey that left one pilot dead and another critically injured.

Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath

The collision occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. EST on Sunday, December 28, 2025, near Basin Road and North White Horse Pike in Hammonton, New Jersey [2][3][6]. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft involved as an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C, both lightweight helicopters typically capable of carrying three people or fewer [2][4]. Following the midair impact, both aircraft were forced to crash-land near the Hammonton Municipal Airport, with one helicopter becoming engulfed in flames upon hitting the ground [3][4]. Emergency responders confirmed that one pilot died at the scene, while the other was transported to a trauma center with critical, life-threatening injuries [3][4]. No passengers were on board either aircraft at the time of the accident [2][5].

Community Context and Witness Accounts

Local accounts suggest the pilots were familiar with one another and were flying in close proximity prior to the crash. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel noted that reports described the helicopters flying in tandem, a factor he indicated likely contributed to the collision [3]. Just before the flight, the two pilots had breakfast together at the Apron Cafe, located at the airport, where owner Sal Silipino described them as regulars [3][5]. Witnesses on the ground described a chaotic scene; local resident Dan Dameshek reported hearing a sound like a “loud snap” or “metal slapping metal” before observing one helicopter invert and spiral rapidly toward the ground [4][7]. Another resident, Caitlyn Collins, rushed to the aid of the surviving pilot, holding his hand and reassuring him while awaiting emergency services [7].

Investigation and Safety Analysis

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed the lead role in the investigation, with assistance from the FAA, to determine the precise cause of the accident [4][7]. Alan Diehl, a former crash investigator for both agencies, suggested that the inquiry will likely focus on a failure of the “see and avoid” principle, examining whether one pilot may have approached from the other’s blind side [5]. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported as mostly cloudy but with good visibility and light winds, indicating that environmental factors may not have been the primary cause [5]. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within 30 days, though a final determination of probable cause could take up to two years to complete [3].

Sources

Aviation safety Emergency response