Chilling conspiracy theory about Black Hawk’s secret drill in DC plane crash confirmed

An internet conspiracy theory about the US Army helicopter that collided with American Airlines flight 5342 over Washington DC was proven true
UPDATED FEB 2, 2025
The theory suggested that the helicopter had deviated from its route for a training mission (Getty Images)
The theory suggested that the helicopter had deviated from its route for a training mission (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: In a stunning revelation, what began as an internet conspiracy theory has now been confirmed as true: the tragic collision between a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 over Washington DC on January 29, was linked to a secret military drill.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on January 29, resulted in the deaths of 67 people, including three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk, 60 passengers, and four crew members of the commercial flight.



 

Defense sources confirm helicopter’s COG drill role in collision

Initial speculations had surfaced online, suggesting that the helicopter had deviated from its usual route to conduct training for a Continuity of Government (COG) contingency plan.

Defense sources have confirmed this theory, confirming that the soldiers were indeed rehearsing an evacuation plan for the president when the Black Hawk collided with the passenger jet, as per Bored Panda.

The crash claimed the lives of over 40 people, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in nearly 25 years (CNN video screengrab)
The crash claimed the lives of over 60 people, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in the US in nearly 25 years (CNN video screengrab)

Authorities have also released the names of two of the three military personnel aboard the helicopter. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara have been identified, while the third military member, a female officer, remains anonymous at her family's request.

In a rare move, the Army has honored the family’s wishes, which The New York Times has described as “extraordinary.” Typically, the military protocol involves releasing the names of personnel involved in fatal accidents within 24 hours of notifying relatives.

Wreckage from the American Airlines passenger plane and the Army helicopter plummeted into the Potomac River (CNN video screengrab)
Wreckage from the American Airlines passenger plane and the Army helicopter plummeted into the Potomac River (CNN video screengrab)

The decision to withhold the third soldier’s identity has sparked further speculation, particularly regarding her qualifications. Officials revealed that the female officer had around 500 flight hours of experience, which aligns with expectations for her role.

Eaves and O’Hara, in comparison, had approximately 1,000 flight hours each.

Expert predicts military training protocols will be reconsidered after deadly collision

Dr Daniel Bubb, a former airline pilot with a PhD in political science from the University of Missouri, discussed the incident in an exclusive interview. He described the crash as “unfathomable” and predicted that it would lead to a reconsideration of military training protocols.

“It’s common for military aircraft to conduct training operations in the same airspace as commercial aircraft and even share airports,” Dr. Bubb said. “This is something that predates World War II.”

In this U.S. Coast Guard handout, the Coast Guard investigates aircraft wreckage on the Potomac River on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport outside of Washington, DC. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles/ U.S. Coast Guard via Getty Images)
In this US Coast Guard handout, the Coast Guard investigates aircraft wreckage on the Potomac River on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC (Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles/US Coast Guard via Getty Images)

He further added, “This accident might prompt conversation about the danger of military and civilian operations happening [at the same time].”

As the investigation continues, the primary focus is on the recovery of the Black Hawk’s black boxes, with officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirming the recovery of the boxes on January 31.

Dr Bubb correctly noted that questioning air traffic control personnel is also likely to be a key aspect of the inquiry.

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