Sam Lilley (Courtesy of Timothy Lilley)
ATLANTA – A family with ties to Georgia is grieving after learning their loved one was one of the pilots killed in the crash between a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter crash near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
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Timothy Lilley spoke to FOX 5 Atlanta from Washington, D.C., telling us that his son, 28-year-old Sam Lilley, was one of the two pilots aboard the aircraft.
“This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” he said.
A longtime pilot himself, Timothy was in New York for work when he realized his son was in the cockpit at the time of the accident. He said he initially couldn’t believe it was his son’s flight, but when Sam failed to check in—something he always did—his worst fears were confirmed.
Officials have said the military helicopter was conducting a training exercise when the crash occurred. Timothy, who served 20 years as a helicopter pilot in the Army, is familiar with the complexities of such operations.
“I was a helicopter pilot in the Army for 20 years. In the ’90s, I used to fly in and out of the Pentagon regularly, and I can tell you if you are flying on the route over the Potomac and wearing night vision goggles, it’s going to be very hard to see that plane. If you’re not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance,” Timothy explained.
He believes the commercial PSA jet involved in the incident was following proper procedures, but the military helicopter made a tragic 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.”
Now, Timothy faces an agonizing wait for answers. He said he spent last night at the airport, filling out forms and being told to wait. As the investigation continues, his focus remains on seeking clarity about what led to his son’s death.
Timothy, his son Sam, and their family have ties to the Savannah area. In addition to his family, Sam reportedly leaves behind a fiancé.
