A quiet Sunday morning in Atlantic County turned into a scene of devastation when two helicopters collided in mid-air and plummeted to the ground in Hammonton, New Jersey. The crash, which occurred on December 28, 2025, has claimed the life of one pilot and left another in critical condition.
The Incident
At approximately 11:25 a.m., local emergency services received frantic calls reporting an aviation disaster near the 100 block of Basin Road, close to the intersection of White Horse Pike and Route 206.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the two aircraft involved were an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C, both small, light piston-engine helicopters. Preliminary reports indicate the helicopters had departed from Hammonton Municipal Airport just minutes before the collision.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene. "I heard a loud snap," resident Dan Dameshek told local reporters. "I turned around and saw one helicopter go from right side up to upside down and dive into the ground." Video footage captured by bystanders shows the aircraft spinning violently out of control before impact.
Friends and Regulars
The crash is made even more poignant by the relationship between the two pilots. Sal Silipino, owner of the nearby Apron Café, revealed that the pilots were regulars who had just finished eating breakfast together at his restaurant before taking off.
"They apparently are friends, fly into the airport, have a meal together... and were leaving together," Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel stated. Reports suggest they may have been flying in tandem—a practice where aircraft fly in close formation—at the time of the accident.
Emergency Response
Upon impact, one of the helicopters was immediately engulfed in flames. Hammonton police, fire crews, and EMS worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and secure the wreckage, which landed in a wooded area and an open field. Fortunately, no buildings or bystanders on the ground were struck.
- Casualties: One pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. The second pilot was airlifted to a regional trauma center with life-threatening injuries.
- Identities: Authorities have not yet released the names of the pilots, pending notification of their families.
The Investigation Ahead
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation. NTSB investigators are expected to focus on:
- Pilot Communication: Were the two friends in contact during the flight?
- "See and Avoid": Experts note that most mid-air collisions result from a failure of "see and avoid" protocols, especially if one aircraft is in another's blind spot.
- Mechanical Records: Both aircraft will be recovered and moved to a secure facility for technical evaluation.
A Somber Community
Hammonton, a town of 15,000 known for its agricultural roots and proximity to the Pine Barrens, is in shock. Local officials have warned the public to be wary of AI-generated images of the crash circulating on social media, urging community members to respect the families of those involved.
As the investigation continues, Basin Road remains closed. Our thoughts are with the families of the pilots and the first responders who dealt with this tragic scene.
*** Reference: Based on reporting from ABC7, Fox 29 Philadelphia, and the Associated Press.