Key Takeaways:
- Two men, Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg, died in a midair helicopter collision in New Jersey on Sunday.
- The men, both experienced pilots, had earned their private pilot licenses over a decade ago and often flew together from the local airport.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with a preliminary report expected in about 30 days.
- The cause of the crash is still unknown, but investigators will likely review communications between the pilots and examine the debris field.
- The crash occurred in a farm field near the Hammonton Municipal Airport, about 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Sunday, when two helicopters collided midair in a farm field near the Hammonton Municipal Airport in New Jersey. The two men on board, Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, were both experienced pilots who had earned their private pilot licenses in 2014. According to witnesses, the two helicopters were flying close together just before they crashed, and the impact was severe enough to cause a fire that engulfed one of the aircraft. The Hammonton Police Department responded to the scene, and rescuers worked to extinguish the flames and provide medical attention to the pilots.
Investigation and Response
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Investigators have begun examining the debris field, which is approximately 100 yards long and contains parts of the main rotors and tail rotors of the two helicopters. The debris will be removed from the site and taken to another location for further review. A preliminary report on the crash is expected to be released in about 30 days. The FAA has described the crash as a midair collision between an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but investigators will likely review communications between the pilots and examine the debris field to determine what happened.
The Pilots and Their Routine
Kirsch and Greenberg were both regulars at the Apron Cafe, a restaurant located next to the airport. The cafe’s owner, Sal Silipino, said that the two men would often stop by for breakfast before flying, and that they were well-known and liked by the staff and patrons. On the day of the crash, Kirsch and Greenberg had eaten at the cafe shortly before taking off, and witnesses watched in horror as the helicopters fell from the sky. Silipino described the scene as "shocking" and said that the two men were "very nice people" who were kind to the workers and staff at the cafe.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several eyewitnesses described the crash, including Dan Dameshek, a Hammonton resident who was leaving a gym when he heard a loud snap and saw the two helicopters spinning out of control. Dameshek told NBC10 that the first helicopter went from right side up to upside down and started rapidly spinning, falling out of the air. The second helicopter appeared to be okay at first, but then it also started spinning out of control. The eyewitness accounts suggest that the crash was sudden and unexpected, and that the two helicopters were flying close together just before the collision.
Investigative Process
The investigation into the crash will likely involve a thorough review of the debris field, as well as an examination of the communications between the two pilots. Alan Diehl, a former crash investigator for the FAA and NTSB, said that virtually all midair collisions are the result of a failure to "see and avoid" other aircraft. Diehl noted that investigators will likely look at the out-of-cockpit views of the two aircraft and determine if one pilot was approaching from the blind side. The weather conditions at the time of the crash were mostly cloudy, but winds were light and visibility was good, according to AccuWeather.
Conclusion
The midair collision of the two helicopters in New Jersey is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in aviation. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it may take several weeks or even months to determine the cause of the accident. In the meantime, the families and friends of Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg are left to mourn the loss of two experienced pilots who were well-known and liked in their community. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in aviation, and the need for pilots to be aware of their surroundings at all times.