Cpt. Rebecca Lobach Named as Third Victim in Helicopter Crash \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Army has identified Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach as the third soldier killed in Wednesday’s midair collision near Reagan National Airport. Lobach, a decorated Army aviation officer, had over 450 flight hours and was a top ROTC graduate. Her family described her as kind, ambitious, and strong. The names of the other two soldiers were released earlier.
Quick Looks
- Army Announcement: The Army named Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach as the third soldier killed in the midair collision involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet.
- Military Background: Lobach, from Durham, N.C., served as an Army aviation officer since 2019 and logged over 450 flight hours.
- Family Tribute: Her family described her as brilliant, hardworking, and compassionate. She was in the top 20% of ROTC cadets nationwide and aspired to become a physician.
- Delayed Name Release: The Army withheld her name at her family’s request; the other two victims were identified Friday.
- Trump’s Comments: Former President Donald Trump blamed the helicopter’s altitude and criticized FAA diversity hiring, but no evidence has linked the policy to the crash.
Deep Look
The U.S. Army has officially identified Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach as the third soldier killed in the tragic midair collision that took place near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The accident, which involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet, has left military officials and aviation authorities searching for answers as they investigate the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
Lobach, a Durham, North Carolina native, had served as an Army aviation officer since July 2019. Her name was withheld at her family’s request until Saturday, a day after the other two soldiers’ names were made public. The Army previously confirmed that Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, the crew chief, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Maryland, a pilot, were also killed in the crash.
The collision, which claimed 67 lives, remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has begun analyzing flight data and cockpit recordings from both aircraft. While the investigation is still in its early stages, officials have ruled out terrorism and continue to examine air traffic control decisions, the helicopter’s altitude, and potential communication failures between military and civilian aviation systems.
A Distinguished Career in Army Aviation
Cpt. Lobach’s military career was marked by excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to service. She was a distinguished ROTC graduate from the University of North Carolina, earning a commission as an aviation officer and ranking among the top 20% of cadets nationwide. Her strong academic and leadership record set her apart early on, and she quickly established herself as a talented pilot within the Army’s aviation program.
Her service record reflected extensive training and operational experience. With more than 450 hours of flight time, she demonstrated skill and dedication in piloting military aircraft, earning the distinction of pilot-in-command after undergoing rigorous testing by some of the Army’s most senior and experienced aviators. Her qualifications placed her among the Army’s most capable young pilots, and she was seen as a rising leader in her field.
In addition to her aviation accomplishments, Lobach also served as a certified sexual harassment/assault response and prevention (SHARP) victim advocate, helping fellow service members navigate cases of harassment and assault within the military. Her family shared that she had aspirations of becoming a physician after completing her Army service, a testament to her lifelong dedication to helping others.
Her family released an emotional statement following the Army’s confirmation of her identity.
“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. We request that you please respect our privacy as we grieve this devastating loss.”
Delayed Name Release and Army’s Response
Unlike the other two soldiers who were identified on Friday, Lobach’s name was initially withheld at the request of her family. The Army has not provided a specific reason for the one-day delay in releasing her identity, though it is standard practice to allow families time to process such devastating news before making public announcements.
Despite this delay, her family ultimately decided to release her name and share details about her remarkable career and aspirations. Her loss, along with the deaths of O’Hara and Eaves, has deeply affected the military community, as colleagues and fellow service members mourn the deaths of three highly skilled soldiers.
Trump’s Comments and the Ongoing Investigation
As investigators continue their work, the crash has become the subject of political discussion, with former President Donald Trump weighing in on the incident. In a social media post, Trump claimed that the helicopter was flying at an altitude higher than it was supposed to, implying that the military aircraft may have been at fault in the crash.
Additionally, Trump criticized an FAA diversity hiring initiative—particularly regarding air traffic controllers—suggesting that such policies have eroded aviation safety. However, no evidence has emerged to suggest that diversity efforts within the FAA played any role in the collision.
Aviation experts have warned against drawing premature conclusions about the cause of the crash. The NTSB has emphasized that a full investigation could take a year or more, as officials analyze air traffic control communications, flight paths, and the final moments before the collision.
At this stage, investigators are focusing on air traffic controller decisions, the helicopter’s altitude, weather conditions, and possible miscommunication between civilian and military aviation systems. Both aircraft’s black boxes have been recovered and will provide crucial data for the ongoing investigation.
A Nation Mourns as Investigation Continues
The crash is one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in recent years, and the loss of Cpt. Lobach, Staff Sgt. O’Hara, and Chief Warrant Officer Eaves has deeply impacted the Army aviation community. Colleagues and fellow service members have shared tributes and memories of the three soldiers, describing them as dedicated professionals who took immense pride in their work.
Cpt. Lobach’s story, in particular, has resonated with many. As a young, ambitious officer with aspirations beyond the military, her death represents the loss of a future leader in both aviation and medicine. The Army and her family continue to honor her legacy, highlighting her remarkable achievements and dedication to service.
As the NTSB and Army investigators work to uncover what happened in the moments leading up to the crash, the military and aviation communities remain on edge, awaiting answers.
For now, families, friends, and service members are left mourning the tragic loss of three exceptional soldiers who dedicated their lives to their country.
More details on the investigation are expected in the coming weeks, as officials analyze the black box recordings and air traffic control communications to determine exactly what led to the midair collision.
Conclusion: A Bright Life Cut Short
The confirmation of Cpt. Rebecca Lobach’s identity brings another layer of sorrow to an already devastating event. Her career as an Army aviation officer was marked by excellence, dedication, and leadership, and her aspirations to enter the medical field further showcased her commitment to helping others.
As the Army, her family, and the nation mourn her passing, her story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel—both in service and in the dreams they leave behind.
With multiple investigations underway, officials hope to provide answers and closure in the coming months.
For now, Cpt. Rebecca M. Lobach’s legacy lives on through the people she inspired and the service she gave to her country.
Cpt. Rebecca Lobach Cpt. Rebecca Lobach
You must Register or Login to post a comment.