D.C. Plane Crash Sparks Conspiracy Theories
The American Airlines plane crash in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night has generated conspiracy theories about who could’ve been on the Army helicopter that collided with the aircraft and what exactly led to the incident.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment on Thursday.
Why It Matters
The theories began after the American Airlines plane, originating from Wichita, Kansas, and carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., at around 9 p.m. ET.
A large search-and-rescue operation has been launched in the nearby Potomac River. The precise number of casualties and survivors remains unclear, but D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said at a Thursday morning news conference, “At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors.”
What To Know
In the aftermath of the crash, President Donald Trump sowed doubts about whether the collision was unavoidable, writing on social media that the situation “should have been prevented.”
Shortly before the plane was to arrive at the airport, air traffic controllers asked the pilots if they could land on a shorter runway, which they agreed to. Seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the plane in sight and then apparently told the helicopter to wait for the plane to pass. The helicopter never responded.
Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage on Thursday in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
What Did Trump Say About the Plane Crash Near D.C.?
Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social, on Wednesday, “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.”
He went on: “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.”
At a news conference Thursday morning, Trump suggested diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the federal government could be to blame for the tragedy and criticized the Biden and Obama administrations for lower standards in air traffic control. He also singled out former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for criticism.
Conspiracy Theories Swirl
In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a Trump supporter, suggested that the plane crash could 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? It sounds more like terrorism than an accident. Perhaps an expert on Blackhawks can weigh in here,” he wrote.
Newsweek reached out to Ackman’s company, Pershing Square Capital Management, which declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Reddit users have been questioning who was on the helicopter. A Reddit thread posted Wednesday night began: “Black Hawk helicopter was transporting a VIP passenger.”
While the helicopter does have a gold top, which usually signals that it’s used for VIP passengers, a Defense Department official told The Wall Street Journal that no senior U.S. officials were on board when” the crash happened.
American Airlines told Newsweek via email: “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
The airline continued: “If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
“American Airlines will continue to release information as it becomes available. Please monitor news.aa.com and American’s official X account @AmericanAir for the latest information.”
What People Are Saying
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters on Thursday: “What I’ve seen so far, do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.”
Vice President JD Vance wrote on X on Thursday: “A heartbreaking tragedy for Wichita, and for our entire country.” He then recited the Catholic eternal rest prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”
Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth wrote on X on Thursday: “Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X on Thursday: “It’s one thing for internet pundits to spew up conspiracy theories. It’s another for the president of the United States of America to throw out idle speculation even as victims are still being recovered and families are still being notified. It turns your stomach.”
What Happens Next
As search-and-rescue teams comb through the Potomac River in difficult weather conditions, the Pentagon has launched an investigation into the crash, Hegseth said.
