HAMMONTON, N.J. — In a tragic incident, two helicopters collided midair on Sunday morning in Hammonton, New Jersey, resulting in the death of one pilot and critical injuries to another. The collision, reported to be between an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C, occurred around 11:25 a.m. above Hammonton Municipal Airport, prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene.

Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel stated that firefighters worked quickly to extinguish flames engulfing one of the helicopters, which was captured on video as it spiraled to the ground. Both helicopters were occupied solely by their pilots at the time of the accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the collision and is coordinating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Hammonton, a small town with a population of approximately 15,000, is situated about 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia amidst a region known for its agricultural history and proximity to the expansive Pine Barrens wilderness.