'Who was on that plane?' Wild conspiracy theories erupt after American Airlines' mid-air collision

Social media has been flooded with conspiracy theories following the deadly mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport. Many users have questioned how such an accident could occur despite modern collision-avoidance technology and air traffic control systems.

The tragic incident unfolded around 9 PM on Wednesday when American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ 700, was approaching the airport. The passenger plane, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a military helicopter on a ‘training flight’ with three soldiers aboard. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River.

Amid ongoing investigations by the Army and the Defense Department, conspiracy theories have gained traction online, with some alleging the crash was intentional. A widely circulated video purportedly shows the helicopter flying directly toward the jet before impact. Some theorists claim this suggests a deliberate act, questioning why the helicopter pilot did not maneuver away.

US President Donald Trump’s remarks have further fueled speculation. Taking to Truth Social hours after the crash, Trump wrote: “The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing. Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”

These statements have emboldened online theorists, with some branding the crash “suspicious” and suggesting that trained pilots should have been able to prevent the collision. One user on X wrote: “This plane crash is so strange… something is off. A Black Hawk not having alarms going off, three soldiers not seeing a commercial plane? An Army pilot who doesn’t understand how to navigate close to an airport? Even if training? Yeah, this smells bad.”

Some theorists have gone as far as claiming the collision was a “targeted hit,” questioning the identities of the passengers aboard the plane. Others have speculated that the Black Hawk was actually a drone or that the incident was a false-flag operation. “I want to know who was on that passenger plane that crashed,” a user insisted.

The theories were further amplified when billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman posted a now-deleted comment on X suggesting the crash may have been an act of terrorism. “How does an incredibly maneuverable military helicopter fly into a regional aircraft by accident with all of the sensors and warning devices designed to prevent an accident like this one?” Ackman wrote. “It sounds more like terrorism than an accident.” Though he later deleted the post, screenshots circulated widely, leading to backlash from users condemning his remarks.

At a press conference on Thursday morning, the Secretary of Transportation stated that he agreed with the president and believed the situation could have been prevented.

According to sources, the plane captain had six years of experience. The experience level of the military pilot remains unclear. While the helicopter was classified as being on a training mission, experts point out that this does not necessarily mean the pilot was inexperienced.

The crash has sparked further debate as internet users analyze available footage. Some claim the helicopter appeared to be ‘chasing’ the passenger jet as it approached the airport. One X user likened the scene to a “1970s-style assassination,” while others questioned why the helicopter seemingly made no attempt to evade the plane.

A Reddit thread speculated on whether a VIP was on board the helicopter, given that such aircraft are sometimes used for high-ranking officials. However, a Defense Department official refuted the claim, telling The Wall Street Journal that no senior U.S. officials were on board at the time of the crash.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump attributed the American Airlines crash near Washington DC’s Reagan Airport to former President Joe Biden and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy. Addressing the press from the White House, the 78-year-old suggested that DEI 'may have' played a role in the collision that occurred the previous night, but did not provide any clear evidence.