On December 28, 2025, tragedy struck southern New Jersey when two small helicopters collided in midair shortly after departing Hammonton Municipal Airport. The crash, which occurred around 11:25 a.m. near Basin Road and White Horse Pike, claimed the lives of both pilots. One aircraft ignited upon impact in a tree line, while the other came down in an open field. Despite the swift arrival of police, firefighters, and EMS crews, the accident proved fatal.
The pilots—Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, of Carney’s Point, and Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell—were longtime friends bound by a shared passion for aviation. Both had earned their private pilot licenses in 2014 and spent much of the past decade flying together. Their routine often began with breakfast at the Apron Café overlooking the runway, followed by tandem flights that became a familiar sight to staff and fellow hobbyists at Hammonton Airport.
Kirsch, piloting his personally owned Enstrom F-28A, was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he fought for his life before passing away the following day. Greenberg, flying the Enstrom 280C registered to M&M Charter LLC, died at the crash site. Their deaths marked the end of a friendship that had grown stronger through countless shared flights and Sunday rituals.
Residents and local business owners remembered Kirsch as a pleasant, steady presence in the community, someone who embodied the joy of recreational flying over South Jersey’s farmland and Pine Barrens. Greenberg was equally admired, his enthusiasm for aviation matched by his loyalty to the bond he shared with his friend. Together, they represented the spirit of hobbyist pilots who find freedom and camaraderie in the skies.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched a joint investigation into the collision, focusing on the close proximity of the aircraft reported by witnesses. Early accounts described a loud snap followed by both helicopters spiraling downward, a harrowing sight that left residents shaken. Off-duty officers and nearby homeowners rushed to assist, reflecting the courage and solidarity typical of rural South Jersey communities.
Though their professional lives remain less documented, Kirsch and Greenberg’s story is defined by friendship, passion, and the pursuit of adventure. Their regular gatherings at the airport café symbolized the simple joys they cherished—good food, good company, and the promise of clear skies.
In remembrance, Hammonton and the wider aviation community honor two men whose final flight ended in tragedy but whose lives remain a testament to the bonds forged through shared passions. Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg lived with enthusiasm, leaving behind memories of dedication, companionship, and the quiet joy of flying. Their legacy calls us to treasure connection, embrace adventure, and remember the risks inherent in the pursuits we love.
