A devastating mid-air collision between two helicopters in New Jersey on Sunday has resulted in one pilot dead and another fighting for life with critical injuries. The tragic incident, which sent shockwaves through the local community, was captured in a harrowing video that quickly spread across social media platforms.
Chronology of a Tragedy: The Hammonton Helicopter Crash
According to authorities, the emergency response was triggered at 11:25 AM on Sunday after reports of an aviation crash. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel confirmed that rescue and emergency teams rushed to the scene located at 100 Basin Road in Hammonton, near the Hammonton Municipal Airport. Disturbing footage, filmed from the parking lot of a Tractor Supply Co store, shows one of the helicopters spinning uncontrollably before impacting the ground, with a large, black plume of smoke rising from the wreckage.
Details of the Aircraft and Ongoing Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified the aircraft involved as an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter. Preliminary information confirms that only the pilots were aboard each aircraft at the time of the catastrophic collision over the airport. While one pilot succumbed to injuries at the scene, the other was transported with life-threatening wounds. The charred remains of the helicopters presented a grim picture to first responders.
Aftermath and Community Impact
The incident has cast a pall over Hammonton and raised serious questions about aviation safety in the area. The viral video of the crash serves as a stark reminder of the suddenness of such tragedies. As the community reels from the shock, the focus now shifts to the official investigation led by aviation authorities to determine the precise cause of the mid-air collision. The findings will be crucial in preventing similar accidents in the future.
