A military aircraft’s emergency landing on an Oklahoma City highway came within feet of catastrophe when it nearly collided with a Tesla, captured on video that has since gone viral.
Story Snapshot
- Military plane made emergency landing on Southeast 119th Street and Sooner Road, narrowly missing a Tesla driven by Matthew Topchian
- Dramatic incident captured on video shows plane’s rapid descent onto busy Oklahoma City roadway
- No injuries reported despite high-risk scenario involving civilian traffic
- Investigation underway by military and local authorities into cause of emergency landing
Harrowing Highway Emergency Unfolds
A military aircraft executing an emergency landing on Southeast 119th Street and Sooner Road in Oklahoma City came dangerously close to striking a Tesla vehicle on a Thursday in late October. The pilot, facing an in-flight emergency, selected the highway as the safest available landing option. Matthew Topchian, the Tesla driver, found himself directly in the path of the descending aircraft. The incident unfolded in seconds, with the plane touching down on the roadway while civilian traffic was still present. Eyewitness video captured the dramatic moment, showing the aircraft’s rapid approach and the near-collision that could have resulted in tragedy.
Watch: Motorist shows moments military plane crash lands in southeast OKC – YouTube
Military Training Routes Over Civilian Infrastructure
Oklahoma City’s proximity to military bases and training routes creates recurring aviation activity over populated areas, a reality that most residents accept as part of living near defense installations. However, this incident highlights the inherent risks when military operations intersect with civilian infrastructure. Emergency landings by military aircraft on public roads remain rare, but they’re not unprecedented in areas with significant military presence. The selection of a busy highway intersection for an emergency landing, while potentially the pilot’s only viable option, underscores questions about contingency planning and coordination between military operations and local authorities.
Investigation and Safety Protocol Review
Military command and Oklahoma City emergency services launched immediate investigations into the incident. The aircraft is being examined for mechanical failure or other causes that necessitated the emergency landing. Authorities are reviewing emergency response protocols to determine whether improvements are needed in coordination between military and civilian responders. The roadway was cleared and reopened following the incident, with no reported injuries or significant property damage. The investigation’s findings could influence future military flight path planning and emergency landing procedures.
Frightening video shows military plane nearly hit Tesla during crashing landing on Oklahoma highway: ‘Like something out of a movie’ https://t.co/R7Ghqnk3hr pic.twitter.com/aeLtv35zCC
— New York Post (@nypost) October 27, 2025
Viral Video Sparks Public Debate
The eyewitness video documenting the near-miss spread rapidly across social media platforms, generating widespread discussion about aviation safety and military operations over civilian areas. The footage’s dramatic nature, described by witnesses as “like something out of a movie,” captured public attention and raised awareness about the rare but real risks associated with military training activities near populated zones. While the absence of injuries prevented this from becoming a tragedy, the close call serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when military operations and civilian infrastructure intersect unexpectedly.
The investigation continues as authorities work to understand what caused the emergency and whether existing safety protocols adequately protect civilians living and traveling near military flight paths. The pilot’s successful execution of the emergency landing without casualties demonstrates professional skill under pressure, yet the proximity to civilian vehicles raises legitimate concerns about risk management and public safety that demand thorough examination and potential policy adjustments.
Sources:
Highway, Hijinks, and Head-scratches: Military Plane’s Unplanned Pit Stop at Tesla Factory
Frightening Video Shows Military Plane Nearly Hit Car During Crash Landing
