Local coverage ...
... Witnesses across the area described seeing the helicopters flying unusually close before the collision.
Two pilots were killed after their helicopters collided in midair over Hammonton, New Jersey on Sunday.
Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, N.J. was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kenneth L. Kirsch, 65, of Carneys Point, N.J. was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The crash happened around 11:25 a.m. near the intersection of Route 30 and Basin Road, about a mile from the Hammonton Municipal Airport.
Both helicopters went down in a nearby field, with one bursting into flames, police said.
Chief Kevin Friel of the Hammonton Police Department said early reports indicate the aircraft were flying close together shortly after departure.
"Reports were that they were flying in tandem, that they were flying close together, which is probably what caused the collision to occur," Friel said. ...
According to FAA records, one helicopter is registered to a charter company in Lancaster, Pa., while the other is privately owned out of Carneys Point, N.J.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. ...
