Third Member of Black Hawk Crew Involved in Potomac Crash Identified – Guy D. McCardle

The U.S. Army has identified Captain Rebecca Lobach, 28, of Durham, North Carolina, as the pilot of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter involved in the catastrophic mid-air collision over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025. This devastating incident resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals aboard both the military helicopter and the American Airlines passenger jet.

A Distinguished Career Cut Short

Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, a 28-year-old Army aviation officer from Durham, North Carolina, had a distinguished but tragically short military career. She served in the regular Army from July 2019 to January 2025, assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Lobach’s military journey began as a distinguished graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ranking in the top 20% of ROTC cadets nationwide. She was commissioned as an active-duty aviation officer (15A) in 2019 and quickly proved herself as a skilled and dedicated leader. Over the years, she rose to the rank of Captain, serving as both a Platoon Leader and a Company Executive Officer.

As a pilot, Lobach accumulated over 450 flight hours and earned certification as a pilot-in-command (PIC), a significant achievement that required rigorous evaluations and exceptional skill. Beyond her aviation duties, she volunteered as a military social aide at the White House, participating in high-profile events such as Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremonies. She was also a certified advocate for the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program, demonstrating her commitment to supporting her fellow service members.

Her dedication and excellence did not go unnoticed. Throughout her service, she received multiple awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. She was highly respected by her peers and superiors alike.

Tragically, Captain Lobach’s promising career was cut short on January 29, 2025, when the Black Hawk helicopter she was piloting collided with an American Airlines regional jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The devastating accident claimed the lives of 67 people, including Lobach and her two fellow crew members.

Her family, friends, and colleagues remember her as a bright, ambitious, and patriotic individual who excelled in everything she did. At just 28 years old, she had already built an impressive career dedicated to serving her country, and her untimely death marked the loss of a leader with immense potential.

The Fateful Mission

The tragic collision occurred on January 29, 2025, when American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, crashed into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The accident happened around 9 p.m. EST as the regional jet was making its approach to the airport.

American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, was on a flight from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 people—60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter, carrying three soldiers, was conducting a training mission from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Tragically, all 67 people aboard both aircraft lost their lives in the collision. The impact caused both the jet and the helicopter to plummet into the Potomac River. Reports indicate that the plane split in half on impact, while the helicopter crashed upside down near the wreckage.

The crash was captured on video by a livestream camera at the Kennedy Center, showing a bright explosion over the Potomac River at 8:47 p.m. EST. As of February 1, 2025, recovery teams had located and retrieved 41 sets of remains from the crash site.

This devastating accident marks the first fatal crash for American Airlines since 2001 and the first major civilian airline disaster of 2025. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading an investigation into the cause of the collision, working to determine what led to this catastrophic mid-air crash.

Unraveling the Tragedy

The investigation into the collision has revealed conflicting data about the altitudes of both aircraft at the time of impact.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), data from the jet’s flight recorder showed it was flying at approximately 325 feet, with a possible variation of 25 feet, when the crash occurred. However, control tower data indicated that the Black Hawk helicopter was at 200 feet at the moment of impact. This 100-foot discrepancy has yet to be explained and is now a major focus of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are working to reconcile these differences by analyzing additional data sources. The helicopter’s black box could provide more accurate information, but retrieving data has been delayed due to water damage. The NTSB is also refining the tower data, which can sometimes be less reliable than other sources.

One crucial factor being examined is whether the Black Hawk was flying higher than its permitted altitude. Regulations limit helicopters to a maximum altitude of 200 feet along the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. Some early flight tracking data suggests that the Black Hawk may have been about 100 feet above this limit and straying from its approved flight path along the eastern bank of the river.

The investigation remains ongoing, with NTSB member Todd Inman emphasizing the need to determine exactly what led to the collision. Investigators are looking into human, mechanical, and environmental factors to uncover the cause of this devastating aviation disaster.

A Community in Mourning

Captain Rebecca M. Lobach’s tragic death in the Black Hawk helicopter collision has left a profound impact on both her hometown of Durham, North Carolina, and the Army community she dedicated her life to serving.

In Durham, the community is mourning the loss of a remarkable young woman who had already achieved so much. Lobach was a distinguished graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she excelled in the ROTC program, ranking in the top 20% of cadets nationwide. Her family described her as a “bright star”—kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious, and strong. Those who knew her remember her as someone who always strove for excellence while lifting up those around her.

The Army is also grieving the loss of a promising and highly respected officer. It released a statement expressing deep condolences to Lobach’s family and all those affected by the devastating accident. Her fellow soldiers and commanders recognized her as a skilled and dedicated aviator, having accumulated over 450 flight hours and earning certification as a pilot-in-command. Her loss is deeply felt within the ranks, especially by those who served alongside her.

Beyond her role as an Army aviator, Lobach was honored to serve as a White House Military Social Aide, a prestigious volunteer position supporting the President and First Lady at official White House events. She took part in hosting ceremonies such as the Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom presentations, further demonstrating her commitment to service and leadership.

At Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where she was stationed with the 12th Aviation Battalion, her loss is particularly devastating. She made a lasting impact on her unit, twice serving as a Platoon Leader and later as a Company Executive Officer. Her leadership, dedication, and mentorship left an indelible mark on those she worked with.

Lobach’s service extended beyond military operations—she was also a certified advocate for the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program. Her compassion and commitment to protecting her fellow soldiers were as evident as her skill in the cockpit. Her family and colleagues say this aspect of her service truly reflected her caring and protective nature.

As investigations into the tragic collision continue, both her hometown and military communities remain united in grief. Lobach had aspirations of becoming a physician after her military career, further proving her deep desire to help others. Though her life was cut short, her legacy of excellence, service, and compassion will not be forgotten.

Ongoing Investigations

The investigation into the collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter is making progress, with significant advancements in recovering and analyzing the black boxes from both aircraft.

Black Box Recovery

Investigators have successfully retrieved both flight recorders from American Airlines Flight 5342. One of the recorders is reported to be in “good condition,” allowing for easier data retrieval. The Black Hawk’s flight data recorder was also recovered with no visible exterior damage and has been sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) headquarters for further analysis.

Preliminary Findings

Initial analysis of the jet’s flight recorder indicates that Flight 5342 was flying at approximately 325 feet, with a margin of error of 25 feet, when the crash occurred. Moments before impact, the pilots attempted to increase the plane’s pitch in what appears to have been an emergency maneuver. Investigators are also examining the altitude and visibility conditions faced by the helicopter crew at the time of the collision.

Key Areas of Investigation

One major focus of the investigation is the altitude discrepancy between the two aircraft. The Black Hawk was supposed to maintain a maximum altitude of 200 feet while flying along the Potomac River, but flight tracking data suggests it may have been flying about 100 feet higher than permitted. We know from the preliminary investigation that the collision occurred at an altitude of approximately 325 feet (plus or minus 25 feet) above ground level. Did both Black Hawk pilots not realize their true altitude? I’m sure this will be carefully examined during the accident investigation. 

Visibility is another critical factor under review. Investigators are working to determine if the helicopter crew had difficulty seeing in the dark and whether they were using night vision goggles during the flight.

The flight path of the helicopter is also being scrutinized. There are concerns that it may have strayed from its designated route along the eastern bank of the Potomac River, which could have contributed to the accident.

Additionally, communication between air traffic control and the helicopter crew is being examined. Audio recordings show that controllers instructed the helicopter to fly behind the passenger jet. The crew responded by confirming visual contact with the plane and requesting visual separation, meaning they believed they could maintain a safe distance.

The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within the next 30 days, but the full investigation into the probable cause of the accident will take much longer. Investigators are carefully analyzing all available data to determine exactly what went wrong and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Honoring the Fallen

As the investigation continues, it is imperative to honor the memory of Captain Rebecca Lobach and all those who perished in this tragic accident. Also losing their lives on the Black Hawk that fateful night were Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara of Lilburn, Georgia, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, from Great Falls, Maryland. 

Their service and dedication to their respective duties will not be forgotten. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in implementing measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, ensuring that their legacy contributes to the safety and well-being of others.

In the face of such profound loss, the nation stands united in grief and determination to uncover the truth behind this devastating event.