HAMMONTON, N.J. — Two pilots have died after two helicopters collided mid-air Sunday morning shortly after taking off from Hammonton Municipal Airport, authorities said.
The crash was reported around 11:25 a.m. near Route 30 and Basin Road, about one mile from the airport. Both helicopters went down in a nearby field — one of them erupting into flames on impact — according to police.
Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said early reports indicate the aircraft were flying close together shortly after departure, which may have led to the collision.
“Reports were that they were flying in tandem, that they were flying close together, which is probably what caused the collision to occur,” Friel said.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene where both pilots were found with severe injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, both pilots were pronounced dead, authorities confirmed.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains under review.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased pilots. More details will be shared as they become availabl
