A tragic mid-air collision between a military Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet in January resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft. New details from a report by The New York Times shed light on the events leading up to this disaster, revealing critical failures in communication and decision-making.
The crash occurred on January 30, 2025, as the Black Hawk approached Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. According to the report, Captain Rebecca Lobach was piloting the helicopter when her co-pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, advised her to turn left to avoid the American Airlines flight landing at the airport. This maneuver would have increased the distance between the two aircraft, which were dangerously close at the time.
Despite Eaves’ warning, Lobach did not turn left. Investigators are still trying to understand why she chose to continue straight, as there were no indications of health issues that might have impaired her judgment. Friends and colleagues have reported that she was in good health prior to the crash.
The report also highlighted several other factors that contributed to the incident. Air traffic control had attempted to communicate with the Black Hawk crew, asking if they had visual contact with the passenger jet. Eaves confirmed they saw it and requested permission to maneuver around it. However, a technical issue during their communication may have prevented the crew from hearing a crucial instruction from the controller to pass behind the jet.
Just moments before the crash, Eaves reiterated that they had the jet in sight and believed they had received clearance to turn. Unfortunately, this miscommunication led to a catastrophic outcome as the two aircraft collided over the Potomac River.
This incident raises significant questions about air traffic safety and the protocols in place for military and civilian aircraft operating in close proximity. As investigations continue, the aviation community is urged to review and improve safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.