Washington [US], December 29: Two helicopters collided in mid-air and crashed into a field in New Jersey, with one helicopter severely damaged and the other so charred it was unrecognizable.
CNN reported on December 29th that two helicopters collided in southern New Jersey, killing one pilot and injuring another.
According to a statement from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C helicopter collided in mid-air at approximately 11:25 a.m. local time on December 28 near Hammonton Airport. The FAA stated that only the pilots were on board the two helicopters when the collision occurred.
Two helicopters crashed into a field in Hammonton, and two victims were airlifted to a medical center, according to Hammonton Fire Chief Sean Macri. One victim appeared to have suffered cardiac arrest upon arrival at the hospital.
Footage on WPVI showed police tape surrounding the mangled wreckage of the aircraft, with long helicopter rotor blades protruding from the ground. Papers and clothing lay scattered in a field next to the heavily damaged red Enstrom F-28A, while the charred remains of the white Enstrom 280C lay nearby, beyond recognition.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it has opened an investigation into the incident, sending an investigator to the scene to collect flight data, aircraft maintenance records , communications with air traffic control, witness statements, and other relevant documents.
The NTSB said that after gathering all relevant information, the wreckage of the two aircraft will be moved to a secure facility for further assessment.
The town of Hammonton, in Atlantic County, is located more than 55 km from Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) and is near the vast wild pine forests of New Jersey.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
