Pilot Jonathan Campos, one of the two pilots of the American Airlines jet that collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter on January 29 had a heartbreaking final conversation with his family before the tragedy struck.
Campos’ heartbroken uncle, John Lane, described the pilot as “such a good kid.”
“I spoke to him as he was boarding the plane. We spoke for 10 minutes. I can’t believe it. He sounded really happy,” Lane recalled.
“He was looking forward to going on a cruise next week on the Icon of the Seas, the cruise ship. Ten family members were going to fly to Florida to take the trip with him. It was going to be a big celebration.”
“He loved flying, it was his dream. He was living his dream.” Lane added: He played with toy planes when he was a kid. He wanted to qualify to fly bigger planes. We’re just sick right now. His mother isn’t doing well.”
Campos graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, in 2015 where he studied Aeronautical Science.
“I think he wanted to be free, and be able to fly and soar like a bird,” his aunt, Beverly Lane told The New York Times.
The Academy paid tribute to Campos. “We are heartbroken to learn that Jonathan Campos was a pilot aboard the PSA Airlines flight involved in the tragic accident last night in Washington, D.C. Jonathan earned his Certified Flight Instructor rating with us and served as a valued flight instructor here.”
“He was a skilled and dedicated pilot with an undeniable passion for flying. Our deepest condolences go out to Jonathan’s family, friends, and all those who lost their lives or were impacted by this devastating tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.”
The father of the other pilot on the plane, Sam Lilley, that crashed and plummeted into the Potomac River, said he didn’t think his son could have been involved in the accident when he heard there was a crash.
Lilley, 29, who was months away from getting a promotion to a captain, worked for the American Airlines for two years. He followed into his father’s footsteps who had served in the army for 20 years as a helicopter pilot.
As per reports, the number of bodies recovered at this point is 40. The icy waters of the river made the mission difficult.
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