One dead after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey

December 28, 2025

Two helicopters crashed into each other in mid-air over Hammonton, New Jersey, on Sunday morning, resulting in one fatality and one person in critical condition. Each lightweight helicopter was carrying only its pilot at the time of the collision, which occurred around 11:25 AM Eastern Time. One aircraft burst into flames upon impact with the ground, requiring emergency fire suppression efforts.

Who is affected

Two helicopter pilots (one deceased, one critically injured)
Hammonton Police Department
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
National Transportation Safety Board

What action is being taken

Emergency services are working to extinguish the fire from the crash
One person is receiving emergency care for critical life-threatening injuries
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are conducting a federal investigation into the collision

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing aviation safety concerns, particularly for small helicopter operations, even as overall fatal helicopter accident rates have been declining in recent years. The collision adds to recent high-profile aviation disasters, including the January Washington DC crash that killed 67 people, keeping public attention focused on air safety protocols and investigation procedures.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC