The tragic plane crash that occurred over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. on January 29 resulted in the loss of 67 lives, including that of Jonathan Jay Campos, the Hispanic pilot commanding American Airlines flight 5342. The airline released the identity of the 34-year-old captain, originally from New York but raised and trained as a pilot in Florida.
Campos earned his pilot's license in 2017 and had been employed by American Airlines since 2018. Born in January 1991 in New York, he spent most of his life in Ormond Beach, Florida, a quaint city known for its family-friendly tourism. From a young age, Jonathan aspired to soar the skies. At 23, he graduated from the Daytona Beach Aeronautical University and received his professional license.
His aunt, Beverly Campos, fondly remembered how her nephew always dreamed of flying, describing his passion for aviation as a defining aspect of his life. "He was a skilled and devoted pilot with an immense love for flying," stated the New Smyrna Beach Academy, where Jonathan also achieved certification as a flight instructor.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Jonathan was certified to operate both single-engine and multi-engine commercial aircraft, as well as some helicopters. Campos' family expressed their profound grief over the tragedy. His aunt recounted that from a young age, Jonathan wished to fly freely like a bird, and his career as a pilot fulfilled that dream.
The pilot also held certifications to operate Bombardier-manufactured aircraft, including the "Canadair Regional Jet" model involved in the ill-fated flight. Despite limitations in flying under adverse weather conditions, those who knew him praised his skill and experience.
The Washington D.C. Police Department reported that the crash involved a commercial American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army military helicopter, which collided mid-air near Ronald Reagan National Airport. The accident claimed the lives of all 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the plane, as well as the three occupants of the helicopter.
This incident, the most severe in the U.S. in the past decade, has deeply shocked the nation as authorities continue to investigate the causes behind the collision of the two aircraft.
Understanding the Washington Plane Crash
Who was the pilot in the Washington plane crash?
The pilot was Jonathan Jay Campos, a 34-year-old Hispanic from New York who lived and trained in Florida.
What aircraft were involved in the Washington D.C. crash?
The crash involved an American Airlines commercial plane and a U.S. Army military helicopter.
How many casualties resulted from the crash?
The tragedy resulted in 67 fatalities, including all passengers and crew members on the plane and the helicopter's occupants.