Army captain Rebecca Lobach killed in deadly Washington DC crash
- On February 5, 2025, a midair collision in Washington D.C. claimed the lives of all 67 individuals on board both the U.S. Army Black Hawk and American Eagle Flight.
- Army Captain Rebecca Lobach, remembered as brilliant and devoted, was among the victims and had a notable aviation career.
- Officials are conducting an investigation into the incident and have recovery efforts underway, emphasizing the devastating impact on families and the community.
On February 5, 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred in Washington D.C., resulting in the deaths of all onboard a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle Flight. The collision involved a helicopter operated by three soldiers and a descending jet, leading to the loss of 67 lives, including passengers and crew members from both aircraft. The U.S. Army confirmed that Captain Rebecca Lobach, who had been flying since 2019 and had accumulated over 450 flight hours, was one of the soldiers killed. Friends, family, and fellow soldiers remembered her as brilliant, fearless, and devoted to her country. Investigators determined that the Black Hawk was flying more than 100 feet higher than its allowed altitude at the time of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was assigned to investigate the incident, stating the need to understand the circumstances that led to this disaster in order to prevent future occurrences. Lobach’s family expressed their grief, describing her as ambitious and strong, with plans to pursue a medical career after her service. The collision marked an unfortunate point in aviation history as the deadliest American aviation disaster in 16 years, prompting authorities to work diligently on recovering remains and identifying all victims involved. As search and recovery operations continued, officials coordinated efforts between multiple agencies, including the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which assisted in identifying victims. The significant impact of the crash extended beyond the immediate families affected, as the community mourned the loss of lives and the service members who had dedicated themselves to protecting the country. Amid calls for respect for the families' privacy during their mourning, there was a poignant reminder of the risks associated with aviation and military operations. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and servicewomen, particularly Captain Lobach, who had already demonstrated her commitment to military life both as a pilot and in her role as a sexual harassment response advocate within the Army. As the investigation progresses, many hope that the findings will shed light on the aviation procedures and safety regulations that protect those in the air, ensuring that similar tragedies do not happen in the future.