Washington, D.C. – A tragic midair collision between an American Eagle regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter claimed the lives of all passengers and crew aboard the civilian aircraft, including flight attendants Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein, as well as the pilots, Captain Jonathan Campos and First Officer Samuel Lilley. The fatal crash, which occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., has left the aviation and military communities in mourning as investigators work to determine the cause of the disaster.

The accident occurred as American Eagle Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines-operated Embraer ERJ-145 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was making its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. At approximately 8:55 p.m. on Wednesday night, the aircraft collided midair with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter conducting a training mission. The collision resulted in an explosion that sent both aircraft plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River, leading to a large-scale emergency response and recovery operation.

Victims Identified

Among the crew members aboard the doomed American Eagle flight were:

• Captain Jonathan Campos, 34 – A seasoned pilot originally from New York who trained at Epic Flight Academy and had over 8,000 hours of flight experience.
• First Officer Samuel Lilley, 29 – A dedicated pilot who was recently engaged and months away from promotion to captain.
• Flight Attendant Danasia Elder – A beloved crew member known for her enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Flight Attendant Ian Epstein – A devoted aviation professional with a family background in the airline industry.

Aviation and Military Communities in Mourning

The flight attendants, Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein, had both been working with PSA Airlines, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines. Epstein, a devoted aviation enthusiast, frequently shared his experiences as a flight attendant on social media, documenting his passion for flying. According to his Facebook page, Epstein had been employed by PSA Airlines for several years and was highly regarded by colleagues and passengers alike. Elder, equally passionate about aviation, was known for her vibrant personality and dedication to ensuring passenger safety.

Captain Jonathan Campos and First Officer Samuel Lilley were at the controls of the Embraer ERJ-145 when the tragic collision occurred. Campos, a Florida resident with a deep love for flying, had earned his commercial pilot’s license in 2018. Lilley, who grew up in an aviation family, followed in his father’s footsteps to become a pilot. His father, Timothy Lilley, is a former Army Black Hawk pilot, making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking. In a tragic coincidence, Timothy had previously flown the same type of helicopter in the same airspace where his son’s accident occurred.

“I saw the crash on the news,” Timothy Lilley recalled in an emotional interview. “I didn’t think there was any way it was my son. But then I watched long enough to realize it was his airline, and I knew his schedule.”

Midair Collision and Aftermath

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a fireball in the sky before both aircraft disappeared into the river. Emergency responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington D.C. Fire and EMS, and the FBI, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Recovery efforts were hampered by the freezing temperatures and strong river currents, but by Thursday morning, officials confirmed that at least 28 bodies had been pulled from the wreckage.

Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors among the 64 individuals on the American Eagle flight or the three Army personnel aboard the Black Hawk helicopter. The crash marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters on U.S. soil in recent years.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the collision. Preliminary reports indicate that both aircraft were operating within designated flight paths, and there were no immediate signs of mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions at the time of the crash. Air traffic control recordings and flight data are currently being analyzed to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the accident.

Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the tragedy, calling the crash “preventable” and suggesting that air traffic controllers may have played a role. However, FAA officials have stated that it is too early to determine if miscommunication or human error contributed to the accident.

Remembering the Victims

As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left to mourn their loved ones. PSA Airlines and American Airlines released a joint statement expressing their condolences: “Our hearts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the crew members and passengers who lost their lives in this unthinkable tragedy. We are providing full support to the investigation and will continue to offer assistance to those affected.”

The loss of Captain Jonathan Campos, First Officer Samuel Lilley, and flight attendants Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein has left a void in the airline industry. Fellow crew members have taken to social media to share memories of their fallen colleagues, describing them as dedicated professionals who loved their jobs.

The military community is also mourning the loss of the Black Hawk crew, including crew chief Ryan O’Hara, whose death was confirmed by the U.S. Army. O’Hara, a devoted soldier from Georgia, had been serving as a crew chief aboard the helicopter.

Recovery Efforts and Memorial Plans

Recovery efforts continue as authorities work to retrieve all remains from the Potomac River and assess the wreckage. A temporary no-fly zone remains in place over the crash site as investigators continue their work. Several airlines and aviation organizations have offered condolences, with vigils planned across multiple airports in honor of the victims.

A memorial service is being organized in Washington, D.C., where the names of all victims will be read in tribute. Families of the victims are being offered counseling services and support as they navigate this devastating loss.

Conclusion

The deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C., has left the aviation world in shock. The loss of American Eagle Flight 5342’s crew—Captain Jonathan Campos, First Officer Samuel Lilley, flight attendants Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein—alongside the Army personnel aboard the Black Hawk helicopter, has sent ripples of grief across the nation. As investigations unfold, authorities will seek answers to how such a tragedy occurred, while families and colleagues remember the lives lost in this heartbreaking disaster.