A deadly mid-air helicopter collision in southern New Jersey on Sunday, December 28, 2025, has left one pilot dead and another critically injured, authorities confirmed. The tragic incident occurred just after 11:25 a.m. when two small helicopters collided and crashed near Hammonton Municipal Airport, according to local officials and aviation authorities.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash site around 11:25 a.m. after reports of an aviation accident over Basin Road and North White Horse Pike in Hammonton, an Atlantic County town of roughly 15,000 residents. First responders from the Hammonton Police Department, fire crews, and EMS units arrived quickly to find both aircraft on the ground following the collision.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) described the incident as a mid-air collision involving an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter, with only the pilots aboard each aircraft at the time of the crash.
Video footage from the scene and eyewitness accounts showed one helicopter spinning out of control as it plummeted toward the ground, followed closely by the second aircraft. Local residents reported thick plumes of smoke and emergency vehicles working to extinguish flames from one of the wrecked helicopters.
Fatalities and Injuries
Officials confirmed that one pilot was killed in the crash, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The names and identities of the pilots have not yet been released pending family notification.
A Hammonton Police chief described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered around the crash zone and multiple agencies working together to secure the area and provide aid. Fire crews reportedly extinguished flames engulfing one helicopter shortly after arrival.
Investigation Underway
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both been notified and are actively investigating the cause of the collision. Early inquiries will likely focus on whether visibility issues, pilot communication, or “see and avoid” failures — a common factor in mid-air collisions — played a role.
The NTSB typically follows such incidents with a detailed investigation that can take weeks or months, including interviews with witnesses, examination of flight paths, and review of any available recordings or communications.
Community Reaction and Local Impact
The accident has deeply affected the Hammonton community, with residents and local business owners expressing shock and sadness. One café owner near the crash site noted that the pilots were familiar faces in the area, often seen dining there before flights.
Witnesses described hearing a loud noise and seeing helicopters rapidly descend to the ground, prompting bystanders to call emergency services immediately.
Safety and Aviation Concerns
Mid-air collisions involving small aircraft, though rare, underscore ongoing safety challenges in general aviation. Investigators will analyze flight paths, pilot communications, and environmental conditions — including visibility and weather — to determine what went wrong.
Experts say that a breakdown in the aviation principle of “see and avoid,” which relies on pilots maintaining visual awareness to prevent collisions, is often a significant factor in these types of crashes.
What Happens Next
As the FAA and NTSB continue their investigation, authorities have urged the public to avoid the crash area to support emergency operations and preserve evidence. A preliminary report from the investigation is expected in the coming days, with a more comprehensive analysis to follow.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with general aviation and the need for continued advancements in air safety technologies and pilot training.
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