A mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter has claimed 67 lives. On January 31, the U.S. Army confirmed the crash occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during a training mission. The Black Hawk, part of the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, collided with American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet. The Army identified two military personnel aboard the helicopter: Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Georgia, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Maryland. However, the third pilot’s identity remains undisclosed at the family’s request.

This pilot, described as female with over 500 flight hours, is classified as missing, with her status listed as DUSTWUN (Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown). The crash, which involved the helicopter plunging into the Potomac River, is under investigation by the NTSB, Army, and FAA.

The Army’s decision to withhold the name of the third pilot has sparked public concern and speculation. Critics, including journalist Kyle Becker and country singer John Rich, have questioned the lack of transparency. While the Army has stated it is respecting the family’s wishes, the incident has fueled suspicions regarding military policies and the circumstances surrounding the crash. The collision remains one of the deadliest air disasters in recent U.S. history.

“That pilot is also DUSTWUN,” the Army stated.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara/ US Army