Fatal mid-air helicopter crash reported near Hammonton, New Jersey

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

HAMMONTON, NEW JERSEY: The state of New Jersey witnessed a tragedy on Sunday, December 28, when two helicopters collided with one another mid-air. While it is unclear what caused the collision, a video circulating online shows one of the helicopters spinning out of control before the crash. 

Several publications have reported one fatality so far, while another individual was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The search for more people is ongoing. 

Federal Aviation Administration confirms crash

While speaking to the New York Post, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the in-flight collision that shook New Jersey.

It further stated that only the pilots were on board on each aircraft, adding that the FAA and the NTSB would conduct further investigation into the matter.

"The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates," they added.

The New York Post also reported the conversation that was heard over the scanner. As per the publication, one of the dispatchers called the crash in and said that they had “one helicopter fully involved.”

At the time, they were looking for the second one, which they found in the woods.

“Start extrication, we’re gonna need expedited response,” the dispatcher said.  Another voice confirmed that two people were injured. 

Police and fire crews respond to aviation crash 

Soon after the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board took to X to inform the public about their involvement.

While it didn’t divulge much information, it stated that the in-flight collision involved an Enstrom 280C and an Enstrom F-28A helicopter.

The Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel also addressed the incident, noting that rescuers and first responders responded to a report of an aviation crash just before noon, at 11.25 am on Sunday.

He added that police and fire crews extinguished the fire that had taken over one of the helicopters.

A local resident, Dan Dameshek, told NBC News that he had heard a loud snap, similar to the sound of a car crash. He added that when he turned around, he saw one helicopter “go from the right side up” to “upside down” as it dove into the group.

Dameshek added that for a brief second, it looked like the other helicopter was okay, but he heard another sound, that of “metal slapping metal.”

He added that the other helicopter was spinning out of control.