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American Airlines jet pilot graduated from Daytona Beach flight school

Aircraft Down Signs display an "Emergency Alert" above an American Airlines counter in the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. (AP Photo/Jeannie Ohm) (Jeannie Ohm/AP)

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 has obtained information that Captain Jonathan Campos trained at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

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Captain Campos was flying the American Airlines jet to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington.

The University has released the following statement:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain Jonathan Campos (Aeronautical Science,’15). Our thoughts are with his family and the families and loved ones of all impacted by this tragic accident.

—  Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

READ: Training partner of the American Airlines pilot speaks after deadly passenger jet, helicopter crash

An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River, according to the Associated Press.

There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors.

Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said.

READ: Army helicopter, plane crash: See impact caught on video, hear air traffic control (graphic warning)

There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams scoured the site and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in methodical search for bodies.

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Beatriz Oliveira, WFTV.com

Beatriz Oliveira is a Content Creator for WFTV.com.

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