Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, 28, of Durham, North Carolina, has been identified as the third pilot killed in the tragic mid-air collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight near Washington D.C. The crash claimed the lives of 67 people.
The U.S. Army has identified Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, 28, from Durham, North Carolina, as the third pilot aboard the H-60 Black Hawk Helicopter that collided with an American Airlines CRJ-700 passenger jet on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic loss of 67 lives. Lobach was one of three soldiers on the helicopter when it crashed into the jet as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The Army initially withheld Lobach's name at the request of her family, but released it following coordination with them. 'We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives,' her family stated. Describing her as a 'warrior,' they emphasized her unwavering dedication to her country, stating 'Rebecca was a warrior and would not hesitate to defend her country in battle.' Lobach had previously served as a White House aide during the Biden administration and as an aviation officer in the Army from July 2019 until January 2025. Beyond her military service, Lobach was remembered by her family as 'kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious and strong.' Her accomplishments included being awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. Lobach's journey began in the United States Army as a distinguished military graduate in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where she ranked among the top 20 percent of cadets nationwide. She progressed to the rank of Captain, holding positions as a Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in the 12th Aviation Battalion at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. With over 450 hours of flight time, she earned the crucial certification as a pilot-in-command after rigorous testing conducted by the most experienced pilots in her battalion.Friends and fellow Army officers who served with Lobach painted a picture of a skilled, dedicated, and patriotic soldier who inspired those around her. First Lt. Samantha Brown, who attended UNC with Lobach, described her as 'so far above average' in terms of intelligence, dedication, and love for her family and friends. 'She wasn't average; she was so far above average. She was so intelligent, she was so dedicated, she loved her friends and her family so fiercely,' Brown remarked. Second Lt. Lexi Freas, who was inspired by Lobach to become a Black Hawk pilot, credited Lobach with changing the trajectory of her career and life. Freas explained that Lobach's guidance and support during her application process to join the D.C. National Guard were invaluable. The impact of Lobach's death is deeply felt within the Army aviation community, particularly among women aviators who share similar experiences and career paths.
Black Hawk Helicopter Captain Rebecca Lobach Mid-Air Collision American Airlines Washington D.C. Army Pilot Tragic Crash
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