Two pilots were killed Sunday after two helicopters collided mid-air and crashed in Hammonton, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Officials confirmed that only the pilots were on board each aircraft at the time of the collision. No passengers were involved.

A Quiet Neighborhood Turned Into a Crash Site

The crash unfolded in a residential area, stunning homeowners who never expected to witness such devastation so close to home. One resident, Caitlyn Collins, said she rushed outside when she heard the impact — only to realize the helicopters had crashed in her own backyard.

“It’s just unimaginable,” Collins said. “They say it hits close to home, like, it’s in my backyard, and we had to watch it all unfold… someone’s not going home to their family tonight.”

Her words captured the shock felt across the neighborhood as emergency crews arrived to secure the scene.

What Authorities Have Confirmed

The FAA stated that both helicopters were operating with only pilots on board. There were no additional occupants, and no injuries were reported on the ground.

Investigators are now working to determine:

How the aircraft came into each other’s path

Whether airspace coordination or visibility played a role

The flight purpose and communication between the helicopters

Officials emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages.

Emergency Response

Local police, fire crews, and aviation officials responded quickly, securing the crash area and ensuring there was no ongoing danger to residents. Debris was contained within the crash zone, and nearby homes were evacuated briefly as a precaution.

Residents described hearing a loud bang followed by silence.

“It didn’t sound real,” one neighbor said. “At first we thought it was thunder.”

FAA Investigation Underway

The FAA confirmed it is leading the investigation, with support from other aviation safety authorities as needed. Investigators will examine wreckage, flight paths, air traffic information, and any available communication records.

No cause has been determined at this time.

Community in Shock

Hammonton residents expressed disbelief that such a rare aviation accident occurred in their town. Many gathered quietly near the scene, offering support to neighbors who witnessed the crash firsthand.

“This is something you see on the news,” one resident said. “You don’t expect it to happen behind your house.”

Remembering the Lives Lost

While authorities have not yet released the names of the pilots, officials acknowledged the tragedy of two lives lost in an instant. Aviation professionals note that helicopter collisions are rare, making the incident particularly devastating.

Flags in the area were lowered, and messages of sympathy began circulating online as the community processed the loss.

What Happens Next

The FAA said the investigation will take time, stressing that determining the cause of a mid-air collision requires careful analysis. Updates will be released as confirmed information becomes available.

Until then, officials urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to do their work.

A Tragic Reminder

The crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine flights can turn deadly — and how deeply such events impact not only families of those involved, but entire communities.

For Hammonton, Sunday will not soon be forgotten.