Hammonton, New Jersey Helicopter Crash: One Pilot Killed, Another Critically Injured After Mid-Air Collision Near Municipal Airport [VIDEO]

One person was killed and another critically injured after two helicopters collided mid-air and crashed to the ground in a fiery incident near Hammonton Municipal Airport on Sunday morning, authorities confirmed.

Police said the crash occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. on December 28, near Basin Road and North White Horse Pike, roughly 30 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The violent collision involved two small helicopters, each carrying only the pilot.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft were identified as an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C—both light, piston-engine helicopters commonly used for training and private aviation.

After colliding in the air, both helicopters spiraled toward the ground. Police said one aircraft was engulfed in flames upon impact. Emergency crews from the Hammonton Police Department, local fire departments, and EMS responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire and securing the scene.

Authorities confirmed one pilot died at the scene, while the second pilot was transported by EMS with life-threatening injuries. The identities of the pilots have not yet been released, pending family notification.

New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way confirmed that the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management, Hammonton Police Department, and New Jersey State Police were all involved in the response.

A nearby resident, Dan Dameshek, told NBC News he heard a loud cracking sound moments before witnessing one helicopter flip upside down and plunge toward the ground. Video footage captured by local outlets showed one helicopter spinning uncontrollably as smoke rose from the crash site.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. The FAA is expected to release a preliminary report within one business day.

Officials have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency operations and the investigation continue. No further details have been released at this time.