The American Eagle crew on the doomed passenger jet that collided with a Black Hawk chopper over the Potomac River last month has received posthumous awards of “highest distinction” from their airline.
PSA Airlines, a regional firm that operated American Eagle Flt. 5342 — which collided with the military helicopter in Washington, DC, on Jan. 29, killing all aboard both aircraft — has awarded its four late crew members its highest honor, the company announced in a statement Sunday.
Those receiving the award were: Capt. Jonathan Campos, First Officer and fellow pilot Samuel Lilley and flight attendants Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein.
All four crew members aboard the passenger jet that fatally collided with a military helicopter two weeks ago have received posthumous peer-nominated awards. REUTERSThey were given the PSA Honorary President’s Award, which is “the highest honor a PSA team member can receive,” with recipients representing “the very best of our airline,” the airline said.
“It is a peer-nominated honor and based on the company-wide outpouring of support for our lost colleagues, we cannot think of a more moving or sincere tribute than having all 5,000 team members nominate our fallen colleagues,” the airline said in a statement.
PSA Airlines is a regional subsidiary of American Airlines that provides the staff for and operates aircraft for another American regional subsidiary, American Eagle, according to their websites.
Tragic First Officer and pilot Samuel Lilley also was made honorary captain posthumously. Tiffany GibsonThe airline also gave Lilley an “Honorary Captain” title, citing “not only his technical expertise but also the profound impact he had on our airline family.
“His legacy will forever serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the dedication, skill, and integrity that define the very best in our profession,” the airline said.
“Throughout his tenure at PSA Airlines, Samuel Lilley exemplified the highest standards of aviation excellence, demonstrating exceptional airmanship, unwavering dedication to safety, and extraordinary professionalism that inspired all who had the privilege of flying alongside him,” PSA Airlines said.
Lilley, 28, was honored with a water cannon salute as a plane carrying his remains landed in Savannah, Ga. His father told Fox 5 a funeral service will be held for him Saturday.
A water cannon salute also took place at Reagan National Airport on Friday night to honor the life of pilot Campos, 34, WJLA reported.
Pilot and Capt. Jonathan Campos was honored with a water cannon salute as his remains were flown back with family to New York City. Epic Flight AcademyRelatives accompanied Campos’ body as it was flown home to New York City on an American Airlines flight, the outlet said.
On Friday, 34-year-old flight attendant Elder’s remains were escorted by Mecklenburg County authorities to Charlotte, NC. Colleagues described her “golden spirit,” to WXII.
Flight Attendant Danasia Elder was described by colleagues as having a “golden spirit.” realpettymay0/Instagram
Ian Epstein was honored at a funeral service Wednesday. Facebook/Ian EpsteinEpstein, 53, was celebrated at a funeral service at Chabad Center for Jewish Life on Wednesday in Charlotte, The Associated Press said.
American Flt. 5324 was en route from Wichita, Kan., to Reagan International Airport when it was struck by the Black Hawk chopper piloted by three army soldiers as the passenger jet was making its landing.
The collision caused the plane and helicopter to plummet into the river in a catastrophic and fatal explosion.
Sixty passengers and four crew members people aboard the American jet were killed, as well as the three soldiers in the copter.
As of Saturday, all of of the plane and chopper wreckage had been fished from the icy Potomac. The National Transportation Safety Board has said it is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.






