On January 29, 2025, a fatal mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport claimed the lives of all 67 individuals on board a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet. Among the victims was Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, a 28-year-old Army pilot from Durham, North Carolina.
Two Soldiers Identified in Deadly Black Hawk and American Airlines Collision Over D.C.
Who Was Captain Rebecca M. Lobach?
Captain Lobach had served in the U.S. Army since July 2019 and was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. With over 450 flight hours under her belt, she was highly regarded for her skills, dedication, and leadership. Beyond her military career, Lobach had previously served as a social aide at the White House during the Biden administration, a role that reflected her deep commitment to public service.
Crash Details and Ongoing Investigation
The collision occurred as the American Airlines flight was approaching its landing at the Washington, D.C. airport. Preliminary reports suggest that the Black Hawk helicopter may have been operating above its designated altitude at the time of impact. Federal authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause of the disaster.
