A mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on a Wednesday night shook the world as it has come to be one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent U.S. history.
67 lives were lost in “a massive fireball,” with about 40 bodies recovered and 27 or 28 identified, including the pilots in the Black Hawk helicopter.
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Investigations are still underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is extensively investigating the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest an “elevation issue” may have added fuel to the fire, though no official conclusion has been released.
The Pentagon swore to aid
The Pentagon vowed to aid in the ongoing investigations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the military’s flight operations will be scrutinized.
Authorities are still working on recovering and identifying the victims to give the grieving and shocked families some peace.
Identities of Black Hawk helicopter personnel identified
Turns out, the military personnel abroad on the Black Hawk were experienced pilots and crew members, including Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and a second soldier, Crew Chief Ryan O’Hara.
Chief Warrant Officer Eaves was an instructor pilot with more than 1,000 flight hours, his widow, Carrie, confirmed.
More about Chief Warrant Officer Eaves
“My husband was one of the pilots in the Black Hawk. We ask that you pray for our family and friends, and for all the other families that are suffering today.” Eaves’ widow wrote in a heartfelt tribute, sharing photos of her late husband and asking for additional ones in his memory.
There was also Crew Chief Ryan O’Hara
The father-of-one was confirmed to be lost in the fateful crash. He left the world, leaving behind a grieving father who said: “As a parent, how do you take the news like this and not be totally broken?”
His family last spoke to him a few hours prior to the crash, unaware that this would be their last time.
Their loss left an impact
Both O’Hara and Eaves’ losses affected their fellow soldiers deeply, testifying that both men were highly experienced and dedicated to their roles.
Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Koziol, who knew both men, said that both of them were among the best pilots in the military as Eaves logged more than 1,000 flight hours and O’Hara logged hundreds of hours of training.
