‘This Is So Strange’: Users React to the Video of Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport
After viewing video footage of the Washington plane crash, netizens are confused about how such a collision could take place, with some expressing their belief that something is amiss.
News outlets have released videos capturing the moment a helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet near Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. The widely discussed posts come after the FAA released a statement concerning what happened.
User comment about the Washington plane crash, posted on January 30, 2025. | Source: YouTube/WFAA
A video shared by the Daily Mail on TikTok shows the mid-air collision, where the airplane was approaching the airport when the helicopter, flying directly opposite the plane, crashed into it, triggering a massive explosion.
From the camera’s vantage point, the crash appeared as a flash of light before plumes of smoke rose and both the plane and helicopter fell into the Potomac River.
The view after the helicopter crashed into the plane near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., posted on January 30, 2025. | Source: TikTok/@dailymail
The Daily Mail’s TikTok caption reads, “The airline has confirmed that there was 60 passengers and four crews members onboard Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, to the Capital when the collision happened [sic].”
The outlet also mentioned, “NBC Washington are [sic] reporting that at least four people have been pulled from the water by rescue crews as dive teams survey the crash site.”
A police boat patrolling the Potomac River after the plane crash in Washington, D.C., on January 30, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, first responders are searching the Potomac River near the airport. Upon seeing the footage from Daily Mail, many netizens flocked to comment sections, sharing their reactions to what happened.
“As a pilot, I’m shocked this happened. You have controllers that are meant to avoid this, & there’s less [sic] collisions actually at night cause of the anti-collision lights on each aircraft. :/,” asserted a TikToker.
A view of the scene after the collision occurred. | Source: Getty Images
Many social media users echoed similar confusion over how the collision occurred. “this [sic] is so strange…” penned a person, while another expressed, “No no this makes no sense on so many levels….A collision on this level at such a low altitude…??? You’re telling me air traffic control was not monitoring their path? Did the pilots have nah [sic] gear????”
Another observer stated, “Prayers. How is this even possible 😢.” Reacting to a video shared on TikTok by NBC Washington, who posted the same footage with a reporter narrating the collision, a netizen said, “Blackhawk military helicopters can’t see other aircraft at night?? That plane has all its landing lights on. This is unbelievable!”
A helicopter flying over the incident scene. | Source: Getty Images
“Are military helicopters even supposed to be in that air. Space? [sic] Something is not right about this. What are they trying to distract us from now?” pondered a TikToker. Someone else wrote, “I don’t understand this is heart breaking [sic].”
Such comments continued, with yet another online spectator noting, “All that airspace and still they collide.” Others suspect that the incident may have been intentional. “That’s weird because it looks like the helicopter rammed the jet!” asserted a netizen.
Contextualizing the events of the collision, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explained, “A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines.”
The organization also clarified that they, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), will investigate the incident, and will keep the public up to date with the latest information. More details concerning the story to follow shortly.
