Second pilot in Atlantic County crash has died; both pilots have been identified.

Two men visited Apron Cafe, a popular breakfast venue situated adjacent to Hammonton Municipal Airport, late on Sunday morning. This visit preceded their departure in separate helicopters for what has been described by the restaurant owner as a routine flight the men frequently undertook together over the years.

Shortly after their departure, at approximately 11:25 a.m., patrons and employees at the café witnessed one of the helicopters spiraling downwards, engulfed in flames. The unsettling occurrence drew immediate attention to the skies above, as the café’s owner, Sal Silipino, recounted observing the helicopter’s troubling descent. He expressed disbelief as he and others watched both helicopters, one seemingly spiraling and the other following suit towards the ground.

The pilots involved in this tragic incident were identified as 65-year-old Kenneth Kirsch from Carneys Point, New Jersey, and 71-year-old Michael Greenberg, a resident of Sewell, New Jersey. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel confirmed that Greenberg succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash, while Kirsch was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the causes of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both been called to look into the matter, aiming to uncover the factors that contributed to this unfortunate accident.

As the investigation unfolds, further details regarding the circumstances of the crash, including any potential mechanical failures or environmental factors, remain unclear. The authorities have committed to a comprehensive review process, emphasizing the importance of understanding the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.

This incident highlights the risks associated with aviation, and community members are left grappling with the loss of two individuals whose shared passion for flying ended in tragedy. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided by relevant agencies and local authorities.

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