28 Year Old American Airlines Pilot Dies in Plane Crash Near Washington, His Father Speaks Out

A father is mourning the devastating loss of his 28-year-old son, a promising young pilot who shared his passion for flying. Sam Lilley, a First Officer aboard the American Airlines flight that collided midair with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on January 29, was among the 64 people who perished in the crash.

Sam’s father, Timothy Lilley, a former military helicopter pilot, is shattered by the tragedy. He was in New York for work when news of the crash first broke. At first, he dismissed the idea that his son might be involved, but as time passed without word from Sam—who never failed to check in—his concern turned into a horrifying reality.

“This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” Timothy shared, struggling to process the loss. In a heartbreaking Facebook tribute, he wrote, “Sam was the First Officer on the flight that crashed in DC last night. It is so devastating to lose someone that is loved so much.”

Timothy and Sam shared a deep love for aviation. Timothy spent two decades flying Army helicopters, and his son followed in his footsteps. Though Sam initially pursued a marketing degree at Georgia Southern University, graduating in 2018, he soon realized that flying was his true passion. In 2019, he began his flight training and worked tirelessly to become a commercial pilot. After years of dedication, he secured a position at PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, and had been flying for them for two years.

Outside of his career, Sam was also preparing for the next chapter of his life—marriage. He and his fiancée were planning a fall wedding, looking forward to a future that now will never come. As Timothy mourns, he finds solace in the pride he had for his son’s accomplishments. “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot,” he reflected. “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.”

Friends and fellow pilots have also expressed their grief. Skeeter Little, a close friend and pilot, described Sam as someone who always carried a smile and had a joke ready to lighten the mood. “The man had a smile every day. He had the best jokes,” Skeeter recalled. They had trained together in flight school, supporting each other through the rigorous process of becoming pilots. “Sam wanted nothing more than to be a pilot. His dad was a pilot. We’re all trying to achieve the same goal—to fly.”

The aviation community is mourning the loss of one of their own. Sam had worked his way up to his dream role, First Officer, at American Airlines. Now, his absence leaves a painful void in the lives of those who knew him.

As tributes pour in from colleagues and friends, one message remains consistent—Sam was not just a pilot but a kindhearted and selfless man who lived his Christian faith through his actions. “He always helped others,” Timothy said, through tears. “That’s who he was.”

The tragic crash unfolded when Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet, was making its final approach to Reagan National Airport. The aircraft, flying in from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Both crashed into the Potomac River, sending shockwaves through the nation.

Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett extended his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that investigations would provide answers. “As we move forward, we will ensure steps are taken to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” he stated.

As an experienced helicopter pilot, Timothy understands the complexities of aerial operations. He also knows firsthand how difficult it is to navigate the Potomac River route, especially at night. Having flown in and out of the Pentagon during the 1990s, he pointed out that using night vision goggles significantly reduces visibility, making it harder to spot other aircraft. “If you’re not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance,” he explained.

Based on the available evidence, Timothy believes the PSA jet followed the correct flight path, while the military helicopter made a fatal error. “From what I can see, those guys turned right into the jet. 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.”

President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy, confirming that search and rescue efforts had transitioned into a recovery mission, as no survivors were expected. He commended first responders for their swift action, using every resource available in the aftermath of the crash.

“We do not yet know what led to this disaster, but we have strong opinions and ideas,” President Trump stated. “We will find out exactly how this tragedy occurred, and we will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”

As of the latest reports, at least 40 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River. Additionally, the plane’s “black boxes” have been located, offering critical insights into what happened in the moments before the collision.

Timothy is left grappling with the unbearable loss of his son, a young man whose future was full of promise. In his grief, he clings to the belief that he will see Sam again one day. But for now, the pain is overwhelming.

Sam Lilley’s memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones, his fellow pilots, and all who knew him. He was more than just a promising aviator—he was a son, a fiancé, a friend, and an inspiration to those who shared his passion for flight.

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