Pilot of Army Black Hawk helicopter in Potomac River plane crash identified

The pilot of the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the tragic crash over Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday has been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, a Mississippi native.

Eaves, who was serving as the instructor pilot for the training flight, was one of the three victims aboard the military helicopter.

Photo: US Armed Forces

Eaves’ wife confirmed his death on social media, expressing grief and asking for prayers for their family and others affected by the tragedy. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves extended his condolences, acknowledging the state’s loss of Eaves, a Brooksville native, in the crash.

Authorities have confirmed that there are no survivors from the collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet over Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday.

The crash resulted in the deaths of all individuals involved, including the crew of the helicopter and passengers aboard the aircraft.

Earlier US President Donald Trump had raised questions about the tragic mid-air collision, suggesting that the crash may not have been an accident.

Trump posted his concerns on Truth Social shortly after the incident, which occurred late Wednesday evening.

In his post, Trump described the flight path of the passenger plane as “perfect and routine,” adding that the helicopter seemed to fly directly at the plane for an extended period. He pointed out the clear night sky and the airplane’s visible lights, asking, “Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane?” Trump implied that the crash appeared preventable, calling the situation “NOT GOOD!!!”

According to US defence officials, the Black Hawk was on a required annual proficiency training flight. The helicopter's instructor pilot, who had 1,000 flight hours, and the co-pilot, with 500 hours, were both experienced with the area and route. Military helicopters frequently fly similar routes, according to a senior Army pilot.

The crash occurred as the helicopter collided with a civilian airplane carrying 64 passengers. DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly reported that 30 bodies had been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter. The operation has since shifted from rescue to recovery, as authorities no longer expect survivors.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pledged to investigate the incident, noting that both the airplane and helicopter were following standard flight patterns on a clear night. The collision is being investigated as a potential preventable incident, with Duffy emphasizing the expectation of safety in U.S. airspace.

First responders worked through the night in challenging conditions to recover the remains of the victims. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser commended their efforts, and condolences have poured in from both local and national leaders, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves.