In Hammonton, New Jersey, two helicopters collided in midair on Sunday, resulting in one death and another pilot critically injured. The incident occurred around 11:25 a.m. when both helicopters were flying over Hammonton Municipal Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft involved as an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C. Tragically, each helicopter had only its pilot onboard.
Witnesses described the horrifying moment as they saw one helicopter spiral down while the other followed suit. “It was shocking. I’m still shaking,” said Sal Silipino, who owns a nearby café and knew the pilots. Dan Dameshek, a local resident, reported hearing a loud noise just before he spotted the helicopters spinning out of control.
The crash is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. Experts like Alan Diehl, a former crash investigator, suggest that most midair collisions result from pilots failing to see each other. They will focus on pilot communications and visibility. Despite cloud cover at the time, other conditions were favorable, as reported by AccuWeather.
It’s worth noting that midair collisions are rare but can be devastating. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there were 147 midair collisions in a ten-year span, highlighting the importance of safety protocols in aviation.
As aviation technology advances, pilots continually receive training on situational awareness and communication. Still, engaging in practices like regular safety drills and adhering to guidelines remains crucial.
In Hammonton, a town of around 15,000 people, local residents are shaken but supportive, coming together in the aftermath of this tragedy. The community is known for its agricultural roots and proximity to the Pine Barrens, creating a serene backdrop for daily life. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on figuring out what went wrong and ensuring that future flights are safer.
For the latest updates on aviation safety and investigations, visit the FAA’s official page here.
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General news, Kevin Friel, New Jersey, Helicopter crashes, Federal Aviation Administration, PA State Wire, Local News for Apple, AP Top News, Pennsylvania, National Transportation Safety Board, Law enforcement, Aviation safety, Fires, Alan Diehl, U.S. news, Dan Dameshek, Accidents, Sal Silipino
