A driver in Oklahoma City narrowly avoided a collision with a U.S. Air Force plane that was emergency landing on a road, capturing the harrowing incident on his car’s dashcam. The video shows the military aircraft descending rapidly and coming within feet of the vehicle before crash-landing, with both pilots walking away unharmed and an investigation launched into the cause.
On the afternoon of October 24, 2025, Matthew Topchian was driving his Tesla equipped with multiple cameras along Southeast 119th Street near Sooner Road in Oklahoma City. He suddenly spotted a U.S. Air Force Skyraider II aircraft appearing low above the trees and heading directly towards the road. Topchian described the moment as surreal, stating, “I was just driving down the road, and then out of nowhere, right above a tree I was looking and saw the plane.” He initially feared an explosion due to the fire and debris, prompting him to call his mother in panic while the cameras recorded the entire event.
The dashcam footage reveals the plane striking power lines during its descent, which caused a significant power outage in the surrounding area and ignited a grass fire. Oklahoma City fire crews responded swiftly to the scene, where they found the aircraft had suffered an engine failure leading to the forced landing. Fire officials confirmed that the collision with the power lines exacerbated the situation, but fortunately, no one on the ground was injured. The quick response helped contain the grass fire and assess the damage to infrastructure.
Both pilots aboard the Skyraider II, assigned to the 492d Special Operations Wing based at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, emerged from the crash without any injuries. The flight was part of a routine training mission, raising immediate questions about the aircraft’s maintenance and operational safety protocols. Scott Douglas of the Oklahoma City Fire Department expressed relief upon arrival, noting, “As soon as we arrived on scene, it was refreshing to see the two pilots on board tell us that everybody was OK.” The incident underscores the potential dangers of military training exercises over populated regions.
National Guard officials have initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of the engine failure and whether any procedural lapses contributed to the incident. This crash may prompt reviews of emergency landing procedures and the routing of training flights to minimize risks to civilians. The widespread circulation of the dashcam video has highlighted the role of civilian documentation in such events, providing crucial evidence for investigators. As authorities work to prevent future occurrences, the community is reminded of the unpredictability of aviation incidents and the importance of preparedness.
In the aftermath, local residents experienced temporary power disruptions, and utility crews worked to restore electricity while the damaged power lines were repaired. The event has sparked discussions on military aviation safety and the balance between training needs and public security. With the investigation ongoing, updates are expected to shed light on preventive measures that could be implemented. The resilience of the pilots and the lack of serious injuries offer a silver lining in an otherwise alarming situation.