Two helicopters collided midair near Hammonton in the US state of New Jersey, killing one pilot and injuring another, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The crash occurred in a rural area close to Hammonton, located in Atlantic County, triggering an emergency response from local police, firefighters, and aviation officials. According to preliminary information released by authorities, both aircraft were operating in the area when they collided in flight, causing one helicopter to crash to the ground.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, where one pilot was pronounced dead. The injured pilot was rescued and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials said the survivor’s injuries were serious but not believed to be life-threatening. No other injuries were reported, and no damage to nearby homes or structures was immediately confirmed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has launched an investigation into the incident, working alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the collision. Investigators will examine flight paths, air traffic communications, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance records as part of the probe.
Local officials said the helicopters were not carrying passengers at the time of the crash. Authorities have not yet released details about the type of helicopters involved or the purpose of the flights, pending notification of the victim’s family.
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud bang before seeing debris fall from the sky. “It was a sudden noise, unlike anything we’ve heard before,” one witness told local media. “Then we saw emergency vehicles rushing in.”
Midair collisions involving helicopters are rare but can occur in uncontrolled airspace, particularly during training exercises, private flights or aerial work such as surveying or filming. Aviation experts say investigations typically focus on visibility, altitude separation and communication between pilots.
Officials have secured the crash site while investigators work to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews and investigators to continue their work safely.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more details are confirmed by aviation authorities.
