(DailyChive.com) – Two helicopter pilots who shared breakfast moments before takeoff died in a preventable midair collision that highlights the deadly consequences of inadequate safety protocols at uncontrolled airports.
Story Snapshot
- Michael Greenberg, 71, and Kenneth Kirsch, 65, killed after helicopters collided flying “too close together”
- Pilots departed Hammonton Municipal Airport after breakfast, crashed one mile away near Route 30
- Uncontrolled airport relies on pilot “see-and-avoid” procedures, increasing collision risks
- NTSB investigating preventable tragedy that could have killed innocent families on ground
Fatal Flight After Morning Breakfast
Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, and Kenneth Kirsch, 65, of Carneys Point, were regular customers at Hammonton Municipal Airport’s café who made a fatal decision to fly their Enstrom helicopters in dangerous proximity. The pilots departed around 11:25 a.m. Sunday morning after sharing breakfast, with witnesses reporting the aircraft flying unusually close together during their low-altitude climb-out. Police Chief Kevin Friel confirmed the pilots were “flying in tandem, close together, which is probably what caused the collision.”
Collision Creates Ground Danger for Families
The midair collision occurred near Route 30 and Basin Road, approximately one mile from the airport, creating a horrifying scene that traumatized witnesses and endangered innocent families. Diana Cleuff of Shamong witnessed the helicopters flying “too close” before impact, while Caitlyn Collins watched helplessly as one damaged helicopter struggled before crashing in her backyard. One aircraft burst into flames after hitting a field, while the other spun out of control before its final impact, demonstrating how pilot error can threaten entire communities.
Uncontrolled Airport Increases Risk Factors
Hammonton Municipal Airport operates without a control tower, forcing pilots to rely on “see-and-avoid” procedures that clearly failed in this preventable tragedy. The general aviation facility in Atlantic County supports private and charter flights using light helicopters like the Enstrom F-28A and 280C models involved in the crash. These aircraft are known for agility but become vulnerable when flown in close formation without proper coordination, especially at low altitudes where recovery time is minimal.
Investigation Reveals Systemic Safety Concerns
The NTSB is leading the investigation into pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, and environmental factors, but early evidence points to reckless flying as the primary cause. Greenberg died at the scene while Kirsch succumbed to his injuries Monday, confirming both fatalities from what witnesses described as an entirely avoidable accident. The tragedy underscores broader concerns about general aviation safety at uncontrolled airports, where inadequate oversight allows pilots to make dangerous decisions that endanger themselves and the communities below.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that personal responsibility and proper safety protocols cannot be replaced by government regulations, yet the lack of adequate oversight at uncontrolled facilities creates unnecessary risks for law-abiding citizens on the ground.
Copyright 2025, DailyChive.com
