Sam Lilley was one of the two pilots aboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, January 29.
His father, Timothy Lilley, a former military helicopter pilot, is devastated by his death.
Timothy was in New York for work when news of the crash in Washington, D.C., first broke. At first, he dismissed the possibility that his son was involved. However, as time passed without any word from Sam, who never failed to check in, his concern turned into a devastating realization.
“This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” Timothy said upon learning that his son was on the flight and had not survived. He mourned his loss with a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, “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, a former Army helicopter pilot with two decades of service, shared a deep love of aviation with his son. Sam began his flight training in 2019 and had been a pilot with PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, for two years.
He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a marketing degree in 2018 before dedicating himself to aviation. Timothy shared that his son initially ventured into a marketing career after graduating but soon realized his true passion was flying. His dad said he worked tirelessly to achieve his dream.
Outside of his career, he was also preparing for a future of marital life with his fiancée after their fall wedding. As Timothy mourns his loss, he finds solace in the progress Sam had made in life, reflecting, “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.”
When asked what he wanted people to remember about his son, Timothy, through tears, described Sam as a happy and kind person who lived life to the fullest. He emphasized that Sam always helped others and lived his Christian faith through acts of kindness.
Outside of his career, he was also preparing for a future of marital life with his fiancée after their fall wedding. As Timothy mourns his loss, he finds solace in the progress Sam had made in life, reflecting, “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.”
When asked what he wanted people to remember about his son, Timothy, through tears, described Sam as a happy and kind person who lived life to the fullest. He emphasized that Sam always helped others and lived his Christian faith through acts of kindness.
Sam’s friend and pilot, Skeeter Little, will forever cherish the memories they made together. “The man had a smile every day. He had the best jokes,” said Skeeter. During flight school, Sam’s energy and jokes made their experience together memorable, including the sweet 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,” a heartbroken Skeeter noted. Skeeter described aviation as a tight-knit community, with all sectors of an airline or organization playing a role in ensuring the safe operation of flights.
Samuel was a part of this warm community, having dedicated his life to flying and worked his way up to First Officer at American Airlines, a position he had dreamed of for years. Now, the aviation world mourns the loss of one of its own.
Fellow pilots and airline workers have shared heartfelt tributes on social media, offering condolences. Skeeter shared, “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 in, was flying from Wichita, Kansas before it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Runaway 33 at Reagan Washington International Airport. The plane and helicopter crashed into the Potomac River.