PORT ORANGE, Fla. – In a tragic incident on Wednesday, an American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter near Washington, DC, resulting in the loss of many lives. Among the victims was Captain Jonathan Campos, a Central Florida man and pilot of the ill-fated flight.
Tracy Grubbs, a friend of Campos, spoke with News 6 about the loss.
“It’s hard to explain. It’s devastating,” he said.
Grubbs said the two first met at his scuba shop in Port Orange while Campos was attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He recalled their last meeting about a year ago.
“Even though he was moving through the ranks, learning to become a pilot, we stayed in contact after his graduation. He was ecstatic when he finally made it to American Airlines,” Grubbs said.
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Campos was not only a skilled pilot but also a master diver. Grubbs fondly remembers their conversations about flying and diving, noting Campos’ dedication to continuous learning.
“He was always training, always looking for the next opportunity to improve,” Grubbs said.
The cause of the collision remains unclear. The National Transportation Safety Board has stated that it is too early to speculate, promising a preliminary report within 30 days. Officials confirmed that flight conditions were clear and that the jet was making a routine landing when the helicopter crossed its path. Air traffic control had communicated with the helicopter moments before the crash.
As the investigation continues, the identities of the victims are beginning to emerge. Among them were figure skaters, their coaches, and family members returning from a development camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
The aviation community mourns the loss of Captain Campos and all those aboard as they await answers to this tragic event.
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