Captain Rebecca M. Lobach was a distinguished U.S. Army pilot and aviation officer, tragically killed in the Washington, D.C. mid-air collision between a Black Hawk military helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet on January 29, 2025. The aviation disaster claimed at least 67 lives, marking one of the deadliest crashes in U.S. history.
This article will explore Rebecca M. Lobach’s biography, early life, military career, personal life, awards, and details surrounding the tragic crash.
Rebecca M. Lobach Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rebecca Marie Lobach |
| Rank | Captain |
| Profession | U.S. Army Aviation Officer, Pilot |
| Hometown | Durham, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 1996 |
| Age at Death | 28 years old |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Years Active | 2019 – 2025 |
| Unit | 12th Aviation Battalion, Fort Belvoir |
| Aircraft Flown | Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk |
Early Life and Education
Rebecca M. Lobach was born in 1996 and grew up in Durham, North Carolina. She displayed strong leadership and academic excellence from an early age.
Education & Military Training
- Attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was part of the ROTC program.
- Graduated in the top 20% of cadets nationwide, earning multiple honors for her academic and leadership achievements.
- Joined the U.S. Army in 2019, training as an aviation officer and pilot.
Her strong work ethic and dedication earned her a place in the 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Military Career & Achievements
Captain Lobach was a highly skilled Black Hawk pilot, known for her leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence.
Key Career Highlights
✅ Served as an active-duty aviation officer in the 12th Aviation Battalion.
✅ Logged over 450 hours of flight time.
✅ Became a Pilot-in-Command after rigorous testing by senior Army officers.
✅ Served as a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) advocate, helping fellow service members.
✅ Honored to serve as a White House Military Social Aide, assisting with high-profile events like the Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremonies.
Awards & Honors
🏅 Army Commendation Medal – Awarded for exceptional leadership and service.
🏅 Army Achievement Medal – Recognized for outstanding performance in aviation operations.
Lobach was widely respected by her colleagues, who described her as “head-over-heels motivated,” “brilliant,” and “one of the best officers in her unit.”
The Washington, D.C. Mid-Air Collision (January 29, 2025)
The Tragic Incident
On January 29, 2025, Captain Rebecca M. Lobach was piloting a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on a routine training mission over Washington, D.C. when it collided mid-air with an American Airlines regional jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Key Details of the Crash
📍 Location: Potomac River, near Washington, D.C.
⏰ Time: Evening of January 29, 2025
💥 Casualties: At least 67 people killed
📢 Aircraft Involved:
- Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk (Military Helicopter, Piloted by Lobach)
- American Airlines Regional Jet (Carrying civilian passengers)
Eyewitness & Official Reports
- Witnesses saw “sparks flying” and a “fireball in the sky” before the two aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
- Investigators recovered both black boxes, which will help determine the cause of the accident.
- The FAA and NTSB launched an investigation into the incident, with early reports pointing to air traffic miscommunication and potential pilot error.
Aftermath & Reactions
- The U.S. Army mourned the loss of Captain Lobach, calling her a hero and dedicated soldier.
- Her family released a statement, saying:
“Rebecca 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.” - Military colleagues paid tribute, describing her as a model officer who lived to serve her country.
Personal Life & Legacy
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single |
| Family | Survived by her parents & siblings |
| Hobbies | Aviation, Volunteering, Reading |
Beyond her military career, Lobach was deeply committed to helping others. She worked as a SHARP victim advocate and volunteered in community outreach programs.
Her legacy will be remembered for:
- Dedication to duty and service.
- Mentorship to young pilots.
- Advocacy for fellow soldiers and survivors of harassment.
Lesser-Known Facts About Captain Rebecca Lobach
- She was one of the youngest female Black Hawk pilots in her unit.
- She trained in emergency helicopter landings and rescue operations.
- Loved skydiving and adventure sports outside of her military service.
- Was fluent in Spanish, which helped her communicate with international military allies.
- Had a deep interest in space travel and once applied for a NASA aviation program.
- Always carried a small notebook with motivational quotes to inspire her team.
- Was an advocate for increasing the number of women in military aviation.
- Won the ‘Best Tactical Flight’ award in her battalion in 2022.
- Had plans to train for the elite 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers) special operations unit.
- Was an expert in night-time military flight operations.
FAQs About Rebecca M. Lobach
Q: What was Captain Rebecca M. Lobach’s rank?
A: She was a Captain in the U.S. Army Aviation Corps.
Q: How many years did she serve in the military?
A: She served from July 2019 until her passing in January 2025.
Q: What caused the Black Hawk helicopter crash?
A: The exact cause is under investigation, but early reports suggest possible air traffic miscommunication.
Q: What awards did Captain Lobach receive?
A: She was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
Q: How did her colleagues describe her?
A: “Brilliant, hardworking, a leader, and one of the best officers in her battalion.”
Conclusion
Captain Rebecca M. Lobach was a hero, a trailblazing Army pilot, and a dedicated leader whose life was tragically cut short in one of the deadliest aviation accidents in U.S. history. She was respected by her peers, admired for her leadership, and dedicated to serving her country.
Her legacy of bravery, commitment, and excellence will continue to inspire future generations of military aviators and officers. The U.S. Army, her family, and the nation mourn her loss, but her spirit of service will never be forgotten.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details independently.
