Netizens are baffled about how the Washington plane disaster happened after seeing video, with some believing something is wrong.

News sites published footage of a helicopter and American Airlines flight colliding near Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025.

Following the FAA’s response, the posts were widely debated.

The helicopter, flying opposite the jet, smashed into it as it approached the airport, causing a big explosion, according to a Daily Mail TikTok video.

For the camera, the accident appeared as a flash of light before smoke ascended

and the jet and helicopter crashed into the Potomac River.

The Daily Mail’s TikTok post says, “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].”

“Why didn’t the control tower direct the helicopter instead of inquiring if it noticed the jet. It appears this bad situation was preventable. NOT GOOD!” Following up, he wrote, “What a dreadful night. Bless you!”

The collision’s cause is under investigation. Authorities will examine air traffic control communications, flight data, and weather to identify the crash cause.