Father of young pilot killed in D.C. crash shares his grief
Family of 28-year-old victim remembers their loved one after tragic plane accident near Washington, D.C.
A devastating midair collision over Washington, D.C., on January 29 claimed the lives of 64 people, including 28-year-old Sam Lilley, one of the pilots on American Airlines Flight 5342. His grieving father, Timothy Lilley, shared an emotional tribute, expressing his unbearable pain and pride in his late son.
The tragic crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time when American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the commercial flight, as well as three soldiers aboard the military helicopter.
Among those lost was Sam Lilley, the flight’s First Officer. His father, Timothy Lilley, a former military helicopter pilot, learned the heartbreaking news after initially seeing reports of the crash on television.
“The worst day of my life”
Timothy, who was in New York at the time of the accident, told Fox 5 that he hadn’t realized his son was on the flight until he couldn’t reach him.
“Last night when I saw on Fox News there was a crash in D.C., I really didn’t think there was any way that was my son,” he said. But when Sam, who always stayed in touch, didn’t respond, Timothy feared the worst.
The heartbroken father took to Facebook the next day, sharing an emotional tribute:
“I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep. I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking.”
He also spoke about Sam’s promising future, sharing that his son had been working as a pilot for PSA Airlines for two years and was engaged to be married later this year.
A community in mourning
Timothy’s post resonated deeply, drawing messages of support from friends, family, and strangers.
“My heart goes out to you, Tim,” one person wrote. Another, addressing both of Sam’s parents, commented, “I have no words. My heart aches for you and Sheri and the whole family.”
A fellow pilot honored Sam’s professionalism, writing, “Knowing he was your son, I would have boarded any plane he was in command of and not thought twice about it. I wish you peace and comfort in the upcoming days and weeks.”
Questions about the cause of the crash
While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident, Timothy Lilley has his own perspective on what may have happened.
With 20 years of experience as an Army helicopter pilot, he believes the Black Hawk crew made a fatal mistake.
“From what I can see, those guys turned right into the jet,” he told Fox 5. “I think the PSA jet was doing everything right. The Army pilot made a grave error. It hurts me because those are my brothers, and now my son is dead.”
Timothy also pointed out that visibility may have been a factor, explaining that flying over the Potomac at night with night vision goggles can make it difficult to see a commercial jet.
A tragedy that leaves deep wounds
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, families and loved ones are left to mourn an unthinkable loss. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and beyond, leaving many questioning how such an accident could have occurred.
Our thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones in this heartbreaking event.
