Local News
Crew Chief on Black Hawk helicopter killed in mid-air collision identified as Ryan O’Hara
Ryan O’Hara, a crew chief aboard the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., has been identified as one of the soldiers killed in the crash.
O’Hara, a Parkview High School alum from Gwinnett County, Georgia, leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son.
The accident, which occurred Wednesday night, involved an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and American Eagle Flight 5342, a regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The two aircraft collided at approximately 400 feet above the Potomac River as the passenger jet was making its approach to Reagan National Airport.
O’Hara’s alma mater, Parkview High School’s MCJROTC program, paid tribute to him in an emotional statement, describing him as a dedicated cadet and rifle team member who was always willing to help others.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own. Class of 2014, former cadet Ryan O’Hara was the Crew Chief on the Black Hawk involved in last night’s crash in D.C.,” the organization wrote in a social media post.
They extended condolences to O’Hara’s family, specifically mentioning his father, Gary O’Hara, and reflecting on his contributions to the program: “Ryan was fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym, as well as a vital member of the rifle team.”
O’Hara was among the three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk when it collided with the PSA Airlines-operated regional jet, which was arriving from Wichita, Kansas.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, though they confirmed that weather conditions were clear at the time of the collision.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators are reviewing air traffic control communications and flight data to understand the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
During remarks on Thursday afternoon, former President Donald Trump called the crash “preventable”, suggesting that air traffic controllers may have been responsible.
Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue in the Potomac River, where at least 28 bodies have been recovered as of Thursday morning.
Officials have transitioned from a search-and-rescue mission to a recovery operation, stating they do not expect to find any additional survivors.
With a confirmed death toll of 67, this incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster on U.S. soil since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Further updates are expected as investigations proceed.
Denver, CO – March 2025 – A passenger jet operated by American Airlines caught fire upon landing at Denver International Airport (DEN), prompting an emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew.
According to airport officials, the aircraft—an American Airlines commercial jet—began emitting heavy smoke shortly after landing.
The source of the fire remains under investigation, but initial reports indicate that it may have originated from the landing gear or engine compartment.
Video footage from the scene captures thick smoke billowing from the aircraft as passengers hurriedly evacuated onto the wings of the plane.
Emergency response crews rushed to the tarmac, working swiftly to extinguish the flames and assist those on board.
Denver International Airport’s fire and rescue teams responded immediately, ensuring that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. As of now, there have been no reported injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will be conducting a full investigation into the cause of the fire. American Airlines has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Passengers and eyewitnesses are encouraged to provide any relevant information or video footage to assisting agencies as they work to determine what led to the aircraft malfunction.
This remains a developing story, and further details will be provided as they become available.