Crew of deadly DC plane crash receives touching posthumous honors: The very best of our airline

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.They 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.The 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 sa...