A fatal helicopter collision occurred late Sunday morning in Hammonton, New Jersey, leaving one pilot dead and another critically injured. Authorities responded to reports of the crash at 11:25 a.m. ET, discovering both aircraft had crash-landed.
Details of the Crash
According to a spokesperson for Hammonton’s municipal government, one of the helicopters was engulfed in flames following the impact. A local resident, Dan Dameshek, 34, described hearing a “loud snap” and witnessing one helicopter rapidly lose altitude before crashing. He then observed the second helicopter also begin to spin out of control after a second impact.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft collided mid-air near the Hammonton Municipal Airport. Importantly, the FAA stated that only the pilots were on board each helicopter.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. It is possible that investigators will examine flight data, maintenance records, and weather conditions to determine the sequence of events. A thorough investigation could take months to complete.
The critically injured pilot was transported to a hospital with “critical life-threatening injuries,” according to authorities. The condition of that pilot is currently unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the crash occur?
Police received calls about the aviation crash at 11:25 a.m. ET on Sunday.
What type of helicopters were involved?
The collision involved an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter.
Who is investigating the crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation.
What impact will this event have on the local community and aviation safety protocols remains to be seen.
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