Fort Myer Soldier Killed in D.C. Helicopter Crash; Altitude Probed as Potential Factor

A U.S. Army helicopter crash near the Pentagon in Washington D.C. has tragically claimed the life of a soldier stationed at nearby Fort Myer, prompting a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident. The crash, which occurred on February 2, 2025, has also brought scrutiny to the flight path of the helicopter, with preliminary data indicating it may have been operating at an unusually high altitude for its mission profile.

The fallen soldier has been identified as Specialist David Riley, a 24-year-old Black Hawk crew chief assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment.  Specialist Riley, originally from Chicago, Illinois, had served in the Army for four years and was described by his commanding officer as a dedicated and highly skilled soldier.

The Department of Defense released a statement expressing its deepest condolences to Specialist Riley’s family and pledging a thorough and transparent investigation into the crash.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:15 PM EST in a lightly populated area near the Potomac River, not far from the Pentagon. The Black Hawk helicopter, a common military utility aircraft, crashed under clear skies and light winds, though investigators noted that the temperature was near freezing.  Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing a loud explosion followed by the sound of the helicopter crashing into the ground.  No civilians were injured in the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Army Combat Readiness Center. Investigators are meticulously examining the wreckage, including the helicopter’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders, to determine the cause of the crash.

A key area of focus is the helicopter’s altitude. Preliminary data suggests that the aircraft may have been flying at an altitude significantly higher than what is considered standard operating procedure for a training flight in that airspace. 

This raises questions about why the helicopter was flying so high and whether it contributed to the severity of the crash.  The NTSB will also be looking into other potential factors, such as mechanical failure, pilot error, and weather conditions.

The Black Hawk helicopter is a versatile aircraft used by the military for a variety of missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and cargo delivery.  The specific Black Hawk involved in the crash was assigned to a training unit at Fort Myer and was reportedly conducting a routine flight at the time of the accident. 

The pilot, Chief Warrant Officer Michael Evans, was a highly experienced aviator with over 2,000 flight hours.  He was also killed in the crash.

The investigation is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.  The NTSB will issue a final report detailing the cause of the crash and any safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. 

This particular area near the Pentagon has seen a few minor aircraft incidents over the years, but nothing of this magnitude.

The community around Fort Myer and the greater D.C. area expressed their sorrow at the news of the crash.  Flags at the base were lowered to half-staff, and a vigil was held to honor the fallen soldiers. 

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia issued a statement expressing his condolences and thanking Specialist Riley and Chief Warrant Officer Evans for their service.

The loss of Specialist Riley and Chief Warrant Officer Evans is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those serving in the military. The investigation into the crash will be crucial in understanding what happened and preventing future tragedies.