On January 29, 2025, a shocking mid-air collision occurred near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., when a helicopter crashed into an American Airlines jet. The plane, Flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The collision triggered a massive explosion, and both aircraft fell into the Potomac River. Video footage shared by the Daily Mail on TikTok captured the dramatic moment, showing a flash of light followed by smoke as the wreckage plunged into the river. Netizens expressed disbelief and confusion, with some questioning how such a collision could happen, especially considering the role of air traffic controllers in preventing accidents. A pilot on TikTok shared their shock, noting that collisions are rare at night due to anti-collision lights. First responders continue searching the Potomac River for survivors.
@dailymail An American Airlines regional passenger jet has crashed into a military helicopter while attempting to land at Reagan National Airport in Washington. Emergency services in the city are searching the Potomac River near the airport following the incident just before 9pm on Wednesday night. 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. NBC Washington are reporting that at least four people have been pulled from the water by rescue crews as dive teams survey the crash site. This is a developing story. Follow DailyMail for live updates. #washingtondc #plane #planecrash #americanairlines #helicopter #news #breakingnews ♬ Scary Tense - Steve Ralph
