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Shocking 'conspiracy theory' about Black Hawk chopper's crash with plane is true as Army withholds pilot's identity

The three troops, who all died, were rehearsing a plan that included the evacuation of the White House when their Black Hawk crashed into the passenger flight.

Published on: Feb 1, 2025, 15:54:53 IST
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In a shocking revelation, it has been disclosed that the US Army helicopter involved in an airborne collision with American Airlines flight 5342 on Wednesday was practicing for a possible event of attack on the capital.

US First responders bow their heads as two ambulances carrying the flag draped bodies of service members killed in a midair collision depart a temporary emergency disaster site at Buzzard Point on January 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images via AFP)
US First responders bow their heads as two ambulances carrying the flag draped bodies of service members killed in a midair collision depart a temporary emergency disaster site at Buzzard Point on January 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images via AFP)

According to officials, the three troops, who all died, were rehearsing a plan that included the evacuation of the White House when their Black Hawk crashed into the passenger flight on Wednesday night just before 9pm, Daily Mail reported.

Defence sources informed CBS News about the intended purpose of the training program, after internet detectives developed a notion that it was accomplishing precisely what sources said.

On social media, conspiracy theorists blamed the US government for the incident, claiming that it must have been deliberate as "military helicopters don't fly into planes."

However, other individuals theorised that the helicopter was executing the president's emergency evacuation route as part of a contingency plan for the continuity of government.

What is Continuity of Government mission?

In the United States, a set of rules and regulations known as a Continuity of Government mission (COG) is intended to guarantee that vital government operations continue during and after a catastrophic event, such as a terrorist or nuclear attack, natural disaster and cyberattack.

The main component of a COG mission is to protect infrastructure and notable figures. Staff Sergeant Ryan O'Hara, the crew chief, and Andrew Eaves, the pilot in command of Chief Warrant Office 2, were identified as being on board the helicopter on Friday.

Also Read: Philadelphia plane crash: Aircraft carrying child patient, 5 others goes down; casualties feared

US Army refuses to reveal female co-pilot's identity

The Army has denied to identify the third person on board, a female co-pilot, at her family's request.

Withholding her name is quite unusual since military soldiers who died in mishaps or conflict are often made public after their families are informed. New York Times have called the move to not reveal the name an “extraordinary step”.

“At the request of the family, the name of the third soldier will not be released at this time,” the US Army stated.

The bodies of O'Hara and the co-pilot have been found, while Eaves and some other airline passengers remain under the water.

The two planes collided in a massive explosion before it fell into the river. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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