Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg die in fatal Hammonton, N.J. helicopter collision

Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg die in fatal Hammonton, N.J. helicopter collision

Fatal Hammonton, N.J. helicopter collision death of Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg – Obituary

Two New Jersey pilots, Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, lost their lives Sunday when their helicopters collided in midair near Hammonton Municipal Airport. The pair, longtime friends known for sharing breakfast at a local cafe, were the only occupants of their respective aircraft.

The crash occurred around 11:25 a.m., with one helicopter spiraling downward in flames roughly a mile and a half from the airport, while the second also went down following the initial impact. Kirsch, a resident of Carney’s Point, was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. Greenberg, of Sewell, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses reported that the helicopters were flying close together prior to the collision. Sal Silipino, owner of a nearby cafe, said he and other patrons watched as the aircraft took off, with one quickly losing control and plummeting before the second followed.

Local resident Dan Dameshek recounted seeing the helicopters flip and spin out of control, describing the crash as sudden and terrifying. Fire and police crews responded promptly to extinguish flames engulfing one of the helicopters.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are examining the crash site, focusing on possible communication between the pilots and whether either failed to spot the other—a common factor in midair collisions. Weather conditions at the time were reported as mostly cloudy with light winds and good visibility.

Authorities continue to gather details to determine the exact cause of the accident, while the community mourns the loss of two familiar and well-liked residents.