A father is grieving the loss of his 28-year-old son, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash. The young pilot, who shared his father’s deep love for aviation, was engaged and preparing to start a new chapter in life.
Sam Lilley was one of two pilots aboard an American Airlines flight that collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on the night of January 29. His father, Timothy Lilley, a former military helicopter pilot, is devastated by the loss of his son.
Timothy was in New York for work when reports of the crash in Washington, D.C., surfaced. Initially, he dismissed the possibility that his son was involved. However, as time passed without hearing from Sam—who never failed to check in—concern grew into painful realization.
“This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” Timothy expressed after learning that Sam had been on the flight and had not survived. In a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook, 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.”
With two decades of service as an Army helicopter pilot, Timothy shared a profound connection with his son through their mutual love of flying. Sam began his flight training in 2019 and had been a pilot with PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, for two years.
Before fully committing to aviation, Sam earned a marketing degree from Georgia Southern University in 2018. After a brief stint in marketing, he realized that his true passion was flying. His father recalled how determined he was to achieve his dream, working tirelessly to become a pilot.
Beyond his career, Sam was preparing for his future with his fiancée, as they had planned to marry in the fall. As Timothy mourns, he finds solace in the life his son built and the passion he pursued. “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 shared.
When asked how he would like his son to be remembered, Timothy described Sam as a happy and kind person who embraced life to the fullest. He recalled how his son always made an effort to help others, embodying his Christian faith through acts of kindness.
Sam’s close friend and fellow pilot, Skeeter Little, holds dear the memories they created together. “The man had a smile every day. He had the best jokes,” Skeeter reminisced. During flight school, Sam’s humor and energy made a lasting impact, even down to the thoughtful lunches he used to pack.
“Sam wanted nothing more than to be a pilot. His dad was a pilot. We’re all trying to achieve the same goal—become pilots,” Skeeter said, reflecting on their shared passion. He described aviation as a close-knit community, where every sector plays a crucial role in ensuring safe operations.
Sam was a valued member of this community, working diligently to achieve his dream of becoming a First Officer at American Airlines. His loss is deeply felt by those who knew him, as well as the broader aviation world.
Fellow pilots and airline workers have expressed their condolences and tributes on social media. Skeeter shared a message of grief and reflection, urging people to cherish their loved ones: “Thoughts to all the families. Prayers. Hug your loved ones. Tragic things happen, and um. Clear skies and tailwinds.”
The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet that Sam was aboard had been flying from Wichita, Kansas, before it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at Reagan Washington International Airport. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) extended his condolences to the families of those affected. He noted that as investigations continue, authorities aim to provide answers and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
With his experience as a helicopter pilot, Timothy understands the complexities of aerial navigation. Having flown in and out of the Pentagon in the 1990s, he is familiar with the challenges posed by the Potomac River route, particularly at night.
He pointed out that flying with night vision goggles significantly reduces visibility, making it harder to detect other aircraft. “If you’re not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance,” he explained.
Analyzing the incident, Timothy believes the commercial PSA jet was following proper procedures, while the military helicopter made a critical mistake. “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,” he said.
President Donald Trump addressed the crash, stating that the search and rescue effort had transitioned into a recovery mission as there were no survivors. He commended emergency responders for their swift action and use of all available resources.
He assured the affected families of his administration’s support and commitment to uncovering the cause of the crash. “We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas. We’ll find out how this disaster occurred, and we’ll ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,” he stated.
At the time of reporting, law enforcement sources confirmed that at least 40 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River. Additionally, investigators retrieved the plane’s “black boxes,” which are expected to provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the accident.