Unforgettable Air Crashes Captured on Film
In today’s world where cameras are everywhere—whether on our phones, dashcams, or security systems—some of aviation’s most harrowing incidents have been recorded in real time. These raw, often chilling videos offer a stark window into moments of tragedy and heroism at 30,000 feet and beyond.
1. September 11, 2001 – American Airlines Flight 11
The world froze as two hijacked planes struck the Twin Towers in New York, with one also hitting the Pentagon. The attacks claimed 2,996 lives, marking the deadliest terrorist act in global history. A documentary filmmaker’s camera famously captured the North Tower’s impact, a haunting reminder of that tragic day.
2. January 15, 2009 – US Airways Flight 1549
Dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson,” this flight quickly became an iconic story of survival. After a flock of Canada geese disabled both engines shortly after takeoff, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger safely ditched the plane in the Hudson River. Against all odds, every one of the 155 passengers and crew survived.
3. January 31, 2025 – Jet Rescue Learjet 55 Crash
A tragic crash unfolded just after departure from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, as an engine failure forced this medical transport jet down into a residential area. Dramatic footage shows the plane hitting a home and igniting a fireball. Unfortunately, all 6 people on board and 1 person on the ground lost their lives.
4. December 29, 2012 – Red Wings Airlines Flight 9268
In snowy conditions at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport, this aircraft overran the runway, crashing onto a nearby highway. A dashcam from a passing car captured debris striking the vehicle as the plane broke apart. All 8 crew members died in the accident.
5. July 28, 2010 – US Air Force C-17 Globemaster
During a rehearsal for an airshow in Alaska, a C-17 crashed, killing all 4 crew members. Military footage, released later, shows the aircraft diving out of sight before impact, illustrating the perils even expert pilots face during complex maneuvers.
6. July 6, 2013 – Asiana Airlines Flight 214
Pilot error led this plane to crash short of San Francisco International Airport’s runway. Tower cameras recorded the aircraft striking a seawall, spinning out of control, and bursting into flames. Among the 307 people on board, 3 died and 187 were injured.
7. December 20, 2016 – Aerosucre Flight 4544
This cargo flight struggled during takeoff from Puerto Carreño, Colombia, clipping a fence and trees before crashing into a forest. Onlookers’ footage shows the plane barely lifting off before disappearing from view. Thankfully, all 6 crew members survived, though the pilot sustained injuries.
8. January 15, 2023 – Yeti Airlines Flight 691
A devastating crash near Nepal’s Pokhara Airport claimed the lives of all 72 people on board. A passenger livestreamed the plane’s final descent and impact, footage that quickly spread across social media, capturing the heartbreaking final moments.
9. December 29, 2024 – Jeju Air Flight 2216
After a bird strike and a failed landing attempt at Muan International Airport, the flight crash-landed with tragic consequences. Among the 179 passengers who perished, only 2 crew members survived, underscoring the severity of the accident.
10. January 30, 2025 – Midair Collision Over Potomac River
Surveillance cameras caught a fatal collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan National Airport. The images show the helicopter hitting the jet, sparking a fireball that killed all 64 passengers on the plane and 3 crew on the helicopter.
Moments of Tragedy and Heroism Preserved on Film
These videos not only document disaster but also remind us of the fragile balance between human skill, technology, and unforeseen dangers in aviation. Whether highlighting acts of extraordinary bravery or the sobering consequences of accidents, these recordings remain vital pieces of our collective history.
