The pilot is one of 67 victims who died after an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. on approach to Reagan National Airport.
The pilot of the American Airlines jet involved in the deadly air collision in Washington, D.C., last Wednesday, Captain Jonathan Campos, was of Puerto Rican descent and lived in Central Florida, according to reports.
Campos lived in Ormond Beach and in 2015 graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a private university focused on aviation and aerospace programs.
The pilot is one of 67 victims who died after an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. on approach to Reagan National Airport.
Telemundo Puerto Rico learned that Campos’ father is Puerto Rican and, although the pilot was born in the US, he lived on the island until he was 10 years old.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University issued the following statement:
“Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain Jonathan Campos (Aeronautical Science, ’15). Our thoughts are with his family and the families and loved ones of all impacted by this tragic accident.”
Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach also regretted Campos’ loss, and confirmed he received training to become a certified flight instructor at their school.
The first officer of the flight was pilot Sam Lilley, who also previously lived in Florida. He moved to Daytona Beach in 2019, where he began pursuing his pilot’s license at ATP Flight School
He had been working with PSA Airlines, part of the American Airlines group, for two years and was close to being promoted to captain, his father Timothy told FOX 35.
Aviation experts have long warned that the complex airspace around Reagan Washington National Airport—crowded with commercial jets, military aircraft, and restricted zones near sensitive sites—poses significant challenges, even for the most experienced pilots, and could lead to catastrophe.
Authorities are trying to piece together the nation’s deadliest US airline crash since 2001.
