Two seasoned pilots lost their lives in a heartbreaking midair crash over southern New Jersey, casting a shadow over the tight-knit aviation community.
Authorities identified the pilots as Kenneth Kirsch, 65, of Carney's Point, and Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, after their helicopters collided shortly after takeoff on Sunday around 11:25 a.m., NBC Philadelphia reported.
The collision involved an Enstrom model 280C and an Enstrom model F-28A, crashing into a field and tree line near Basin Road, roughly a mile and a half from the airport. One helicopter burst into flames on impact, while the other landed in a tangled mess among the trees.
Community Responds to Sudden Tragedy
Hammonton firefighters rushed to extinguish the burning wreckage, while local residents heroically pulled one pilot from the helicopter caught in the tree line. Despite their efforts, the outcome was grim for both men.
Kenneth Kirsch was airlifted to Cooper Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, while Michael Greenberg was declared deceased at the scene. These two friends, known to share breakfast at a nearby café, left behind a void in their community.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos, with Sal Silipino, owner of Apron Café, recalling, “I see one spiraling... I didn’t see them collide or anything.” His shock mirrors a broader disbelief that such a routine flight could end in disaster, raising questions about how two experienced pilots met this fate.
Witness Accounts Paint Harrowing Picture
Hammonton resident Dan Dameshek captured video of the helicopters spiraling out of control, describing a loud snap before they plummeted. He noted, “Immediately, the first helicopter went from right side up to upside down and started rapidly spinning,” a chilling image of mechanical failure or pilot error that demands answers.
Another local, Caitlyn Collins, was among the first at the crash site in her backyard, holding Kirsch’s hand in his final moments. She recounted telling him, “Everything is going to be OK... the sirens are for you,” a gesture of humanity amid tragedy that speaks to the community’s spirit.
Collins later learned of the second pilot’s death, a detail that compounded the sorrow of that day. Her account underscores how quickly a quiet Sunday turned into a scene of loss, leaving residents grappling with the fragility of life.
Investigation Underway for Answers
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation, with the wreckage remaining at the scene through Monday. On Tuesday, officials plan to move the helicopters to a secure location for detailed examination.
Chris Baur, Industry Chairman of the US Helicopter Safety Team, reviewed footage and suggested the aircraft appeared uncontrollable. He posed critical questions about whether the pilots intended to fly in formation or if proximity led to the collision, pointing to potential lapses in planning or judgment.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, though that timeline offers little solace to those mourning Kirsch and Greenberg. The wait for clarity feels endless when the cost is so personal, and the aviation world braces for lessons that might prevent future heartbreak.
Reflections on Safety and Responsibility
This tragedy hits hard in an era where personal responsibility often takes a backseat to systemic excuses. If formation flying or reckless proximity played a role, it’s a stark reminder that freedom in the skies comes with the duty to prioritize safety over camaraderie or thrill.
Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel noted, “It was probably just a moment or two after their flight started that they collided,” a statement that cuts to the core of how split-second decisions can alter lives. Such brevity in timing should push us to demand stricter oversight or training, not just for pilots but for an industry too often left to self-regulate.
The loss of Kirsch and Greenberg isn’t merely a statistic; it’s a call to scrutinize how we balance individual liberty with collective safety. As investigations unfold, let’s hope the findings honor their memory by ensuring no other friends sharing breakfast meet such an abrupt, tragic end.
