The pilot of the American Airlines plane that crashed this week had a heartbreaking final conversation with his family beforehand.
Jonathan Campos was one of the two pilots of the jet which collided with an army helicopter over Washington DC on Wednesday (29 January).
Both aircrafts were sent plunging into the Potomac River with all 60 American Airlines passengers and the four crew on the plane along with the three soldiers on the Black Hawk chopper having died in the crash.
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The 34-year-old’s family said he was ‘living his dream’ working as a pilot and was flying in to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport alongside pilot Sam Lilley, whose dad said it was the ‘worst day of his life’ as he waits for answers.
Campos had spoken with his family just before boarding the American Airlines plane, telling them how much he was looking forward to going on a cruise with them next week.
His uncle, John Lane, told the Mail he was ‘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,” he 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."
Lane also added: "He loved flying, it was his dream. He was living his dream. 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."
Epic Flight Academy paid tribute to Campos on social media: “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.”
Timothy Lilley told Fox 5 he had been in New York City when he saw there had been a crash, adding: “I really didn’t think there was any way that was my son.”
But his worst fears were confirmed when his pilot son Sam didn’t check in after the flight as he normally would do.
The father and son shared a passion for flying, with Sam having worked with PSA Airlines (part of the American Airlines group) for two years while his dad served 20 years as a helicopter pilot in the army.
With the families are waiting for answers, investigators are yet to name a cause for the deadly incident.
Topics: American Airlines , US News
Jess Battison