Tragedy in the Skies: The Story of Andrew Eaves, the Pilot Who Lost His Life in a Midair Collision

Andrew Eaves, a Mississippi-based pilot, died in a midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane. The incident occurred during a training operation near Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Eaves had over 1,000 hours of flight experience and was an instructor pilot.

Andrew Eaves, a seasoned pilot from Mississippi, tragically lost his life in a midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane. The incident happened during a training operation near Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on January 30, 2025. Eaves was identified as the instructor pilot on the flight, with over 1,000 hours of flight experience.
The helicopter, part of the 12th Aviation Battalion at Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was on a training mission when it collided with American Airlines Flight 5342. The plane was en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, D.C. when the collision occurred just before 8 p.m. The helicopter carried three troops, including Eaves, while the plane had 64 people on board.
Recovery efforts are ongoing, with the National Transportation Safety Board leading the investigation. The Army is supporting these efforts, and Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp has offered condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. The incident has left many families broken and grieving, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.

1. Who was Andrew Eaves?
Answer: Andrew Eaves was a Mississippi-based pilot with over 1,000 hours of flight experience. He was an instructor pilot on the Black Hawk helicopter.

2. What was Andrew Eaves doing at the time of the incident?
Answer: Andrew Eaves was on a training mission with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

3. Where did the collision occur?
Answer: The collision occurred near Fort Belvoir, Virginia, during a training operation.

4. How many people were on board the American Airlines plane?
Answer: There were 64 people on board American Airlines Flight 5342.

5. What is the current status of the investigation?
Answer: The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, and recovery efforts are ongoing.

The tragic loss of Andrew Eaves in a midair collision highlights the risks and sacrifices made by military pilots during training operations. The investigation into the cause of the collision will provide crucial insights into preventing such incidents in the future.