HAMMONTON, N.J. (Atlantic County) — Authorities have identified the two pilots killed in a midair helicopter collision in Hammonton, police said in an update released following the crash.
The Hammonton Police Department said officers were called at about 11:25 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2025, to reports of an aviation crash involving two helicopters that had just departed from Hammonton Municipal Airport. The collision involved an Enstrom 280C and an Enstrom F-28A, police said.
Both helicopters crash-landed in a field and tree line in the 100 block of Basin Road, about 1½ miles from the airport. One of the aircraft was engulfed in flames, and the Hammonton Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the fire, authorities said.
Police said Hammonton officers and AtlantiCare EMS personnel assisted a pilot who had been removed by local residents from the helicopter that crashed into the tree line.
The pilot of the Enstrom F-28A was identified as Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, of Carneys Point, New Jersey. Kirsch was flown by medical helicopter to Cooper University Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The pilot of the Enstrom 280C was identified as Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, New Jersey. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Witnesses reported seeing the two helicopters flying close together shortly before the collision, authorities said.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene and began an investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board has also arrived and is conducting an investigation, including recovery of both helicopters.
The crash site remains secured as the investigation continues. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.
