Worst U.S. Aviation Disaster in Two Decades

Ryan O'Hara, a crew chief on the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, was among the 67 people killed in a tragic mid-air collision with an American Airlines flight near Ronald Reagan National Airport. This incident, marking the worst U.S. aviation disaster in over two decades, involved three Army soldiers and 64 people aboard the passenger jet. The crash occurred during a routine annual proficiency training flight under clear conditions, with experienced pilots familiar with the route. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the incident involves an investigation to determine whether procedural errors contributed to the collision. President Donald Trump has described the crash as 'preventable,' suggesting potential missteps by air traffic controllers. O'Hara, remembered by his high school ROTC program in Georgia, left behind a wife and a young son.