On January 29, 2025, a devastating mid-air collision occurred near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., when a helicopter crashed into American Airlines Flight 5342, en route from Wichita. The collision caused a massive explosion, and both aircraft fell into the Potomac River. Video footage shared on TikTok showed a flash of light followed by smoke as the ,
wreckage hit the water. The incident has sparked shock and confusion online, with many questioning how it happened and the role of air traffic controllers. A pilot on TikTok expressed disbelief, noting that collisions are rare at night due to anti-collision lights. First responders are still searching for survivors.