
A devastating collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Ronald Reagan National Airport has left the nation in shock, with 67 lives lost and questions mounting about how such a tragedy could occur.
At a Glance
- A mid-air collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet resulted in 67 fatalities
- Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, one of three soldiers killed, was identified as the last victim
- The National Transportation Safety Board is reviewing black box data to determine the cause
- President Donald Trump suggested the helicopter’s altitude may have been a factor
- Lobach was a distinguished military graduate with aspirations of becoming a physician
Tragic Loss of Life
The U.S. Army has identified Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach from Durham, North Carolina, as the last of three soldiers killed in the catastrophic mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport on January 29. The incident, involving a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet, claimed the lives of three soldiers, 60 airline passengers, and four crew members, sending shockwaves through the nation’s capital and beyond.
Lobach, who had served as an aviation officer since July 2019, was part of the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Her military career was marked by dedication and achievement, earning her several commendations including an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and an Army Service Ribbon.
The Army has identified two of the soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines regional jet near Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night.
Here's what we know so far. https://t.co/olJe18fd0F pic.twitter.com/C0a84Mwkw3
— ABC News (@ABC) January 31, 2025
Capt. Lobach’s military service extended beyond her role as a pilot. She served as a White House military social aide and was a certified Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention victim advocate. Her commitment to excellence was evident in her distinguished graduation from the University of North Carolina’s ROTC program, where she ranked in the top 20 percent of cadets nationwide.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals,” Lobach’s family said.
With over 450 hours of flight time and certification as a pilot-in-command, Lobach’s family emphasized that she had achieved this status “after extensive testing by the most senior and experienced pilots in her battalion.” Beyond her military aspirations, Lobach had set her sights on becoming a physician after completing her Army service, showcasing her multifaceted ambitions and dedication to serving others.
As the nation mourns, attention has turned to understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have suggested that the helicopter’s altitude may have been a contributing factor in the collision. Trump stated that the helicopter “was flying too high, by a lot.”