Tragic Midair Collision Claims Life of Dedicated Army Pilot Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach
Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, a 28-year-old Durham native and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate, was identified as one of the three soldiers killed in the midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. The crash, which occurred during a training mission, resulted in the deaths of all 67 people aboard both aircraft. Lobach, who served as a co-pilot, was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Lobach, a 2019 UNC graduate and top-ranking ROTC cadet, was known for her dedication to service and her passion for aviation. She earned her pilot-in-command certification after logging over 450 flight hours and rigorous testing. Her career included serving as a White House military social aide, where she supported former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden during events, including Medal of Honor ceremonies. Lobach also volunteered as a victim advocate for the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program and aspired to become a physician after her military service.
Her family described her as a “servant, caregiver, and advocate” who made a significant impact on those around her. The Army initially withheld her name at her family’s request, releasing it on Saturday following their approval. The delay sparked speculation and controversy, with some linking her identity to broader debates about military diversity policies. However, her family emphasized that Lobach’s life was defined by her commitment to service and her love for others.
The crash remains under investigation, with recovery efforts ongoing as wreckage from both aircraft was recovered from the Potomac River. Lobach’s colleagues and mentors remembered her as a meticulous, determined, and compassionate leader who inspired others, including fellow ROTC cadets, to pursue careers in aviation. Her legacy continues to resonate within the military and the communities she served.
Soldier, mentor, friend: Black Hawk pilot killed in crash was Durham native, UNC grad
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca,” the Lobach family said in a statement.
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