Deadly Collision Between American Airlines Jet and Military Helicopter Captured on Video

Newly released footage shows the tragic mid-air crash that killed 67 people near Washington, D.C.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style depicts the tragic collision of two aircraft in the sky, with sweeping lines and forced perspectives conveying the grand scale and devastating impact of the incident.The devastating mid-air crash between a commercial airliner and military helicopter near Washington, D.C. has raised urgent questions about air traffic control procedures and aviation safety.Wichita Today

New video footage has emerged showing the fatal collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January 2025. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 64 passengers and crew on the jet, as well as 3 military personnel on the helicopter, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the U.S. in over 20 years.

Why it matters

The crash has raised serious concerns about air traffic control procedures and the safety of aircraft operations in restricted airspace around major airports. Air traffic controllers had reportedly warned for years about the risks of such an incident occurring, but their concerns were not adequately addressed.

The details

The American Airlines jet, operating as Flight 5342, was approaching the airport after flying in from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided mid-air with the Black Hawk helicopter that was on a routine training mission in the restricted airspace. The video footage shows the two aircraft coming together before a massive fireball and plumes of smoke as they crashed into the Potomac River.

  • The crash occurred on January 29, 2025.
  • The American Airlines jet was flying in from Wichita, Kansas.

The players

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline that operates passenger flights across the country.

U.S. Army

The land-based military force of the United States Armed Forces.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

A major airport serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, located in Arlington, Virginia.

Emily Hanoka

An air traffic controller who was working the night of the crash and had reportedly warned for years about the safety risks in the airspace.

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What they’re saying

“You had frontline controllers ringing that bell for years and years, saying this is not safe. This cannot continue. Please send help.”

— Emily Hanoka, Air Traffic Controller

The takeaway

This tragic incident has highlighted the critical need to address long-standing air traffic control issues and ensure the highest levels of safety for all aircraft operations, especially in congested airspaces around major airports. The loss of life has devastated the local community and raised urgent questions about the oversight and procedures governing flights in restricted areas.