Deadly Midair Collision at Reagan Airport Kills 67

Newly released video captures the tragic crash between a passenger plane and military helicopter

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:48pm

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Shocking footage has emerged of a deadly midair collision that occurred in 2025 at Reagan Washington National Airport, where an American Airlines regional jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter while the plane was landing. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board the two aircraft.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about air traffic control procedures and coordination between civilian and military aviation at major airports. It has also sparked renewed calls for enhanced safety measures and better communication protocols to prevent such catastrophic accidents in the future.

The details

The video shows the final moments before the collision, with the passenger jet and military helicopter appearing to be on a direct collision course. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the crash, but initial reports suggest a breakdown in communication between air traffic control and the pilots of both aircraft.

  • The midair collision occurred on June 15, 2025 at approximately 6:30 pm local time.

The players

American Airlines

A major US-based airline that operates the regional jet involved in the collision.

US Army

The branch of the US military that operated the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash.

Reagan Washington National Airport

The major airport located in the Washington, DC area where the collision took place.

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What they’re saying

“This is a devastating tragedy that has shaken our community. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of all those who perished.”

— Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, DC

“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact causes of this accident and to implement any necessary safety improvements to prevent such an incident from ever happening again.”

— Robert Sumwalt, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash and is expected to release a preliminary report within the next 30 days.

The takeaway

This tragic midair collision has exposed critical gaps in aviation safety protocols, particularly when it comes to coordination between civilian and military air traffic. Policymakers and industry leaders must work swiftly to implement enhanced safety measures and communication procedures to ensure such a devastating accident never occurs again.