By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Sunday, two helicopters collided midair near Hammonton Municipal Airport in southern New Jersey, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The aircraft involved were an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C helicopter, with only the pilots on board each. Emergency responders transported both victims to a trauma center, but one was in possible cardiac arrest. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation, while local officials, including Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, have expressed their condolences and offered support.
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Two Helicopters Crash Midair in New Jersey, a truly shocking event, is a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation. It’s a tragedy that naturally sparks a wave of questions, from the basic “how does this even happen?” to complex inquiries about safety protocols and regulatory oversight. One thing is certain: any midair collision involving aircraft is incredibly rare and inherently dangerous. The immediate focus, of course, is on the lives lost and the families affected.
While we are a long way from flying cars becoming a regular sight, this incident highlights the complex reality of our current aviation infrastructure. It’s important to understand that helicopters, especially in certain airspace, operate under different rules than large commercial airliners. As one former air traffic controller pointed out, helicopters often don’t require direct contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC), particularly in areas away from major airports. This means that, at least in some circumstances, they operate under visual flight rules (VFR), relying on pilots seeing and avoiding other aircraft. The specific location of this crash, its proximity to Philadelphia’s Class B airspace, and the fact that the helicopters were flying visually might offer some initial insights.
It is worth noting that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a thorough investigation, and it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions about the cause of the accident before all the facts are known. However, this raises questions about pilot training, weather conditions, and the potential role of other factors contributing to the incident. Did the pilots have proper training in avoiding mid-air collisions? Were there any unusual weather patterns, or environmental conditions? Was there any malfunction in the aircraft that may have led to the collision?
The fact that the two helicopters involved were the same model, Enstrom F-28, is a significant detail. The aircraft were likely part of the same “family” of helicopters, according to Wikipedia. If the pilots were Enstrom enthusiasts, part of a club, or if they had rented the helicopters for a specific purpose, this could indicate a degree of familiarity, but also a potential for group activities that might increase risk. It is speculated that the helicopters were owned by the same company from PA and were flying together.
This year has unfortunately been marked by a number of aviation incidents, which has led many to have the feeling that such accidents have increased. It is important to remember that reports of such incidents are also subject to media attention, which may create a frequency illusion. It is also a good reminder to be wary of any simple explanations offered in the aftermath of a tragedy. The shutdown of the air traffic control system has certainly negatively affected flight, and there’s an added psychological impact for any pilots in U.S. airspace as the trust that *others* are occupying the space safely is a concern for anyone, including helicopter pilots.
The mechanics of a midair collision between helicopters are particularly grim. The core principle for any helicopter is that the aircraft is not allowed to touch. If the structure is intact, a skilled pilot might execute an emergency maneuver called “autorotation” to safely land, but the odds of survival are significantly reduced when two aircraft collide. This emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining situational awareness, following established protocols, and adhering to safe flying practices. If the helicopters involved were operating under VFR, the pilots were expected to “see and avoid” other aircraft.
The accident emphasizes the need for a robust and effective safety apparatus. The effectiveness of federal regulatory bodies in aviation is another key aspect to consider. It remains to be seen what, if any, role, current regulations played in this tragedy. While air accidents may be down this year, the amplification of these types of accidents by news outlets may have an effect on your perception.