Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves was a Black Hawk helicopter instructor pilot in the United States Army, known for his expertise in aviation and commitment to military service. With over 1,000 flight hours, he was responsible for training military personnel in aviation operations.
On January 29, 2025, Eaves tragically lost his life in a mid-air collision over Reagan Washington National Airport, an incident that resulted in multiple casualties, including two other Army soldiers.
This article covers Andrew Eaves’ biography, age, military career, family, awards, and details of the tragic accident.
Andrew Eaves Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew Loyd Eaves |
| Profession | U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Black Hawk Instructor Pilot |
| Hometown | Great Mills, Maryland, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 1985 (Exact date not confirmed) |
| Age at Death | 39 years old (2025) |
| Military Branch | United States Army |
| Service Years | 2007–2025 (Navy & Army) |
| Aircraft Specialization | UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter |
| Rank | Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Carrie Eaves |
| Children | 1 Son, 1 Daughter |
| Death Date | January 29, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Mid-Air Collision (Black Hawk & Passenger Jet) |
Early Life and Family
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was a native of Noxubee County, Mississippi, but later resided in Great Mills, Maryland.
- He was married to Carrie Eaves.
- He had two children – a son and a daughter.
- Eaves was known for his dedication to his family and his commitment to serving his country.
Despite being a private individual, his love for flying and military service was evident throughout his life.
Military Career
Service in the U.S. Navy (2007–2017)
- Eaves first served 10 years in the U.S. Navy, where he built a strong aviation background.
- He earned multiple awards, including:
- Navy Commendation Medal
- Navy Achievement Medal (3x)
- Navy “E” Ribbon (2x)
- Navy Good Conduct Medal (3x)
Transition to the U.S. Army (2017–2025)
- In 2017, Eaves transitioned from the Navy to become a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot in the U.S. Army.
- He was stationed at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as part of the 12th Aviation Battalion.
- Over his career, he logged over 1,000 flight hours, including combat and training missions.
- He was an instructor pilot, responsible for training other military personnel.
Military Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his 18-year military career, Eaves received numerous awards, including:
| Award Name | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Army Commendation Medal (3x) | Outstanding Service |
| Navy Commendation Medal | Naval Service Excellence |
| Army Achievement Medal | Notable Contributions |
| Navy Achievement Medal (3x) | Dedication in Service |
| Navy “E” Ribbon (2x) | Operational Readiness |
| Navy Good Conduct Medal (3x) | Exemplary Service |
| Global War on Terrorism Medals | Deployed Missions |
| Army Aviator Badge | Helicopter Pilot Qualification |
| Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal | Community Support |
Eaves was highly respected among his peers for his leadership, piloting skills, and dedication to training soldiers.
Mid-Air Collision and Death
What Happened on January 29, 2025?
- At approximately 9 p.m., Eaves was conducting a routine training mission near Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
- His UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air with an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet (Flight 5342).
- The crash resulted in multiple fatalities, including Eaves and two other Army soldiers.
- The collision occurred over Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport airspace, making it one of the most tragic military aviation accidents in recent years.
Search and Recovery Efforts
- The remains of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves have not yet been recovered, and he remains listed as DUSTWUN (Duty Status – Whereabouts Unknown).
- Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara (28, from Georgia) was also identified as a casualty.
- The third soldier’s name has not been publicly released at the request of their family.
- The FAA, NTSB, and the U.S. Army are conducting investigations into the cause of the crash.
Official Statement from U.S. Army
“Our deepest condolences go out to all the families and friends impacted by this tragedy. We will support them through this difficult time. Our top priority is assisting in the recovery efforts while fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the cause of this tragic incident.”
— Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, Commander Joint Task Force – National Capital Region
Andrew Eaves: Legacy and Tributes
Remembering a Hero
- Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves publicly acknowledged Eaves’ service and sacrifice.
- His fellow soldiers and aviation colleagues have shared tributes, praising his dedication, leadership, and mentorship.
- A military funeral and honors ceremony will be planned once his remains are recovered.
Impact on Military Aviation Safety
- This accident has sparked discussions about airspace management and military-civilian flight coordination.
- The Army, FAA, and NTSB are reviewing training flight protocols to prevent future tragedies.
FAQs About Andrew Eaves
1. Who was Andrew Eaves?
Andrew Eaves was a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 and Black Hawk helicopter instructor pilot with over 1,000 flight hours.
2. How did Andrew Eaves die?
He was involved in a mid-air collision between his Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet over Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025.
3. Where was Andrew Eaves from?
He was originally from Brooksville, Mississippi, but later lived in Great Mills, Maryland.
4. Was Andrew Eaves married?
Yes, he was married to Carrie Eaves and had two children (a son and a daughter).
5. What military awards did Andrew Eaves receive?
He was awarded multiple honors, including Army Commendation Medals, Navy Commendation Medals, and the Army Aviator Badge.
6. What will happen after his death?
His remains are yet to be recovered, and an official military investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves dedicated his life to military service, first in the U.S. Navy (2007-2017) and then in the U.S. Army (2017-2025). A highly skilled Black Hawk instructor pilot, he was responsible for training future Army aviators.
His tragic death in the January 29, 2025, mid-air collision is a great loss to the U.S. military community. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and a respected Army officer.
His legacy of service and bravery will continue to inspire future generations of military personnel.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
