Army Identifies Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach as Third Black Hawk Pilot in Devastating DC Plane Crash

In a tragic turn of events, the U.S. Army has officially identified Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach as the third pilot aboard the Black Hawk helicopter involved in a deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C., that claimed the lives of 67 individuals. The devastating accident occurred on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, and has left families, military personnel, and the nation grappling with its immense loss. Cpt. Lobach, who hailed from Durham, North Carolina, was an experienced aviation officer with a commendable career in the Army.

The crash, which took place near the Washington National Airport, has been described as one of the deadliest incidents involving military aircraft in recent history. The Black Hawk helicopter, a key asset in the Army’s aviation fleet, was reportedly carrying a small group of soldiers on a routine mission when it collided with another plane mid-air, leading to a catastrophic crash. While investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the Army has confirmed that Lobach, along with two other fellow pilots—Ryan O’Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves—was aboard the ill-fated aircraft.

The Life and Service of Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach

Cpt. Rebecca Lobach, 28, began her career as an aviation officer in the U.S. Army in July 2019. Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, she had always shown a passion for aviation and service. She was an accomplished pilot with approximately 500 flight hours in the Black Hawk helicopter, an aircraft known for its durability and versatility in both combat and non-combat operations.

Lobach’s colleagues in the military remember her as a dedicated and highly skilled officer who always placed the well-being of her team above all else. “Rebecca was a true professional and a wonderful person. She loved what she did and gave it her all every single day,” said a fellow Army officer who worked closely with her. “Her commitment to her service and her dedication to her fellow soldiers will never be forgotten.”

The Black Hawk Helicopter and Its Crew

The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash was part of a routine training mission when it collided with a civilian aircraft in mid-flight. Cpt. Lobach was joined by two other pilots: Ryan O’Hara, an experienced officer known for his leadership in flight operations, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, who was serving as a crew member on the aircraft. Together, they represented a highly trained and skilled team, each bringing years of experience to their respective roles.

The Army has confirmed that O’Hara and Eaves were also killed in the crash. Their identities were made public by military officials on Thursday, and tributes from colleagues have poured in from across the country. “Ryan and Andrew were both exceptional pilots,” said a senior Army official. “They served with distinction, and their loss will be felt deeply across the entire aviation community.”

The Crash and Its Aftermath

The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday morning, around 9:45 a.m., when the Black Hawk helicopter collided with a private plane, which was reportedly en route to Washington National Airport. Eyewitnesses described the crash as a “massive fireball,” and the scene quickly became one of intense emergency response and chaos. First responders rushed to the site, but unfortunately, no survivors were found among the wreckage.

Investigations are underway, and officials are working to determine the exact cause of the collision. Early reports suggest that the weather conditions at the time of the crash were clear, and no technical issues had been reported on the Black Hawk prior to the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been called in to lead the investigation, and preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks.

Military and civilian aviation experts alike have raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the crash. “Mid-air collisions are rare, but they are also preventable,” said Captain Elaine Barnes, an aviation safety expert. “Understanding the chain of events leading to this crash will be critical to ensuring that such an incident does not happen again in the future.”

The Impact on the Military Community

The loss of Cpt. Lobach, O’Hara, and Eaves has sent shockwaves throughout the U.S. Army and the broader military community. For many soldiers, the news was both devastating and surreal, as these were officers with significant experience who were known for their professionalism and leadership.

“Rebecca was more than just a colleague. She was a mentor to many of us,” said one officer who served alongside her. “She was always there to offer guidance and help others improve their skills. The impact of her loss will be felt for years to come.”

The deaths of the three pilots have also raised questions about the safety protocols in place for military and civilian aircraft operating in the same airspace. With the number of near-miss incidents between military and commercial flights on the rise, military officials are calling for a review of air traffic management systems to prevent future tragedies.

Tributes and Reactions from Family and Friends

As the news of the crash spreads, tributes have poured in from friends, family, and colleagues. The family of Cpt. Lobach has expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement: “Our hearts are broken by the loss of Rebecca. She was a courageous and selfless individual who gave everything to her country. We ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as we remember her life and the incredible service she provided.”

Friends and fellow soldiers have also shared their memories of Lobach. “Rebecca was the kind of person who lit up a room when she walked in,” said one friend from her hometown of Durham. “Her smile was infectious, and her commitment to her mission was unmatched. The world lost a truly remarkable individual.”

Broader Implications for Military Aviation

This crash is part of a broader trend of increasing concerns surrounding military aviation safety. The Black Hawk helicopter, while a crucial asset for the Army, has faced scrutiny in recent years due to a series of accidents involving the aircraft. Military leaders have stressed the importance of ongoing safety measures and improvements to protect those who serve in aviation roles.

“The safety of our soldiers is our top priority,” said General Maria Vasquez, the Army’s chief of aviation safety. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine what went wrong and how we can prevent this from happening again.”

Investigating the Crash: What Comes Next?

In the coming days, the NTSB will conduct a detailed investigation to uncover the cause of the crash. The investigation will involve interviews with survivors, reviewing flight data and black box recordings, and assessing weather reports and air traffic control communications.

Military experts are urging patience as investigators work to piece together the events that led to the tragedy. “We owe it to the families of those lost to get to the bottom of this and make sure that similar incidents are prevented in the future,” said aviation safety consultant Dr. Paul Richards.

Conclusion: A Nation Mourns

The tragic loss of Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach, Ryan O’Hara, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves has left the nation grieving for the lives cut short in this devastating accident. As investigations continue and families cope with the overwhelming pain of their loss, the military community remains united in remembrance and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women.