The tragic January 29 midair plane crash over the Potomac River in our nation’s capital took the life of a member of TSA’s family, and our agency is mourning the loss.
Capt. Jonathan Campos, 34, a TSA Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO), was a pilot on the American Eagle/PSA Airlines jet involved in the horrific collision that claimed 67 lives. The flight from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
Campos underwent extensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) before TSA deputized him as an FFDO.
“FFDOs are qualified pilots who volunteer to complete an intensive one-week training program at FLETC to carry a federally issued firearm and defend the flight deck of commercial and cargo aircraft against acts of air piracy or criminal violence,” explained TSA Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS) Aviation Programs Branch Manager Denise D. Stark-Jones. “FFDOs are a critical component in TSA’s layered security approach. Capt. Campos’ sacrifice underscores the dedication and responsibility FFDOs take to safeguard our skies.”
FFDOs serve as a last line of defense in TSA’s layered security approach and play a significant role in TSA’s mission.
“They serve a key role in our national and homeland security mission,” said LE/FAMS Executive Assistant Administrator Brian Belcher. “Capt. Campos served with distinction and honor.”
At the young age of nine, Campos lost his father, who served as a New York City police officer. This left an impression of service upon him well into his adulthood. He often traveled with his father’s badge and even had a tattoo of the badge with number 4935 on his right shoulder.
“Capt. Campos leaves an outstanding legacy of leadership and duty to others,” Belcher emphasized.
LE/FAMS Aviation Programs Deputy Branch Manager Daniel Kuhn added, “FFDO Campos consistently demonstrated exceptional proficiency in his duties as an FFDO, covering approximately 700 flights from April 2023 through his tragic loss on January 29, 2025.”
Stark-Jones and Kuhn said, “FFDO Campos was serving as an FFDO, protecting the traveling public on the fateful flight of American Airlines/PSA 5342.”
On February 7, five members of the TSA Honor Guard at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) met Campos' family and his remains, which were flown from DCA to LGA. They joined representatives from American Airlines and the Port Authority Police Department to honor the fallen pilot.
Prior to his service as an FFDO, Campos studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a degree in aeronautics. He also performed the duties of a flight instructor at Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In 2019, Campos was hired as a First Officer with PSA Airlines and was promoted to Captain in 2022.
Campos is remembered for his honorable and selfless service and his dedication to his crew, passengers and country.
“He will be missed and will stand as a role model for current and future FFDOs,” said Stark-Jones and Kuhn.” He will not be forgotten.”
From TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs