What makes the tragedy even more heart-wrenching is the revelation that the two victims were close friends
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hammonton NJ, The aviation community is reeling after authorities confirmed that a second pilot has died following Sunday’s horrific mid-air helicopter collision in South Jersey. What makes the tragedy even more heart-wrenching is the revelation that the two victims were close friends who had just finished sharing a final meal together.
The victims have been identified as Kenneth Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, and Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell. According to local reports, the two veteran pilots were regulars at a nearby cafe and were seen enjoying breakfast just moments before taking to the sky.
🚁 A “Double Tragedy” for New Jersey Aviation
The collision occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, about a mile and a half from the Hammonton Municipal Airport.
The Final Moments:
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Witness Accounts: Customers at a local cafe watched the two helicopters—an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C—take off together.
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The “Snap”: Witnesses reported hearing a loud “snap” in the air. One helicopter immediately flipped upside down and began spiraling toward a farm field, followed shortly by the second aircraft.
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The Aftermath: Michael Greenberg was tragically pronounced dead at the crash site. Kenneth Kirsch was airlifted to a regional trauma center in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries on Monday.
🔍 Investigation: Was This a “Blind Side” Collision?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are now on the ground in Hammonton. While weather conditions reported by AccuWeather showed light winds and good visibility, investigators are focusing on a classic aviation danger: “See and Avoid” failure.
Former NTSB investigator Alan Diehl noted that investigators will scrutinize the “out-of-cockpit” views for both Enstrom models. They are looking to determine if one pilot was approaching from the other’s blind side, making it impossible to see the nearby aircraft despite the clear conditions.
💔 A Community in Shock
The crash has left the rural town of Hammonton and the South Jersey flying community in a state of disbelief. Sal Silipino, a local cafe owner, described the pilots as “good friends” who were staples of the local airport culture.
“It was shocking,” Silipino said. “I’m still shaking after that happened.”
Video captured by bystanders showed the terrifying final seconds as one aircraft spun rapidly out of control before erupting into flames upon impact.
📅 What Happens Next?
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days. This report will likely include:
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Radar Data: Tracking the exact flight paths of both helicopters.
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Communications: Reviewing any radio contact between the two friends before the collision.
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Mechanical Review: Examining the wreckage to rule out engine or rotor failure.
Hammonton Mid-Air Collision: Summary
| Pilot | Age | Hometown | Status |
| Michael Greenberg | 71 | Sewell, NJ | Deceased (at scene) |
| Kenneth Kirsch | 65 | Carney’s Point, NJ | Deceased (at hospital) |
| Aircraft 1 | — | Enstrom F-28A | Destroyed (Fire) |
| Aircraft 2 | — | Enstrom 280C | Destroyed |
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