Finally! Army names Black Hawk pilot in deadly D.C. air crash

The U.S. Army has named Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, 28, of Durham, North Carolina, as the third soldier aboard the H-60 Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines CRJ-700 passenger jet on Wednesday.

The crash, which happened as the commercial plane was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, killed all 67 people on board.

Honoring Captain Rebecca M. Lobach

The Army initially withheld Lobach’s identity at her family’s request but later released her name in coordination with them.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives,” her family said. “Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle.”

Lobach served as an aviation officer from July 2019 to January 2025 and worked as a White House aide during the Biden administration. Her military honors included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.

She graduated with distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ranking in the top 20 percent of cadets nationwide. She later became a platoon leader and company executive officer in the 12th Aviation Battalion at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

A Skilled and Respected Leader

Lobach had more than 450 flight hours and earned her certification as a pilot-in-command after passing rigorous testing by senior pilots. Friends and colleagues described her as intelligent, dedicated, and inspiring.

“She wasn’t average; she was so far above average,” said First Lieutenant Samantha Brown, a fellow UNC graduate. “She was intelligent, dedicated, and fiercely loved her friends and family.”

Second Lieutenant Lexi Freas credited Lobach with inspiring her to become a Black Hawk pilot in the D.C. Army National Guard, calling her guidance life-changing.

Final Conversations and Lasting Impact

On the day of the crash, Brown and Lobach had been texting as they planned a trip together. “It was gut-wrenching to hear what happened,” she said.

White House reporter Davis Winkie, who trained alongside Lobach, shared an emotional tribute: “You are so missed, Rebecca. This world won’t be the same without you.”

Other Soldiers on Board

The Army previously identified the other two soldiers killed in the crash.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, an instructor pilot with more than 1,000 flight hours, was among them. His widow, Carrie, called for prayers for all the families affected.

Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara, 28, leaves behind a wife and a one-year-old son. His father, Gary, said, “We were just talking to him yesterday, and now we’ll never speak to him again.”

Crash Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. Both black boxes have been recovered, and officials are analyzing air traffic control communications. The midair collision, a massive fireball, was captured on airport surveillance cameras.

President Donald Trump commented on the incident, suggesting the helicopter was flying higher than permitted. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that an elevation issue is under review.

Rescue teams continue working in the Potomac River, where the wreckage remains partially submerged. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, but the full investigation could take up to a year.