A father is mourning his 28-year-old son after he died in a plane crash. The young pilot, who shared his father’s passion for flying, was engaged to be married.

Pilot Sam Lilley tragically lost his life on Wednesday night, January 29, when an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport. One of the two pilots aboard the ill-fated flight, Sam was following in the footsteps of his father, Timothy Lilley, a former military helicopter pilot. Heartbroken by the loss, Timothy mourns the son who shared his passion for aviation, now gone far too soon.

Timothy Lilley was in New York for work when news of the tragic crash in Washington, D.C., first broke. Initially, he brushed aside the possibility that his son, Sam, was involved. But as the hours passed without a single message from Sam—who never failed to check in—his unease grew into a heartbreaking realization.
“This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” Timothy expressed after learning the devastating truth: his son had been aboard the flight and had not survived. Overcome with grief, he shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing, “Sam was the First Officer on the flight that crashed in D.C. last night. It is so devastating to lose someone that is loved so much.”

Timothy Lilley, a former Army helicopter pilot with 20 years of service, shared an unbreakable bond with his son, Sam, through their mutual love of aviation. Sam’s journey into the skies began in 2019, and after years of dedication, he became a pilot for PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, where he had proudly served for the past two years.
Before discovering his true calling, Sam earned a marketing degree from Georgia Southern University in 2018 and initially pursued a career in the field. However, it didn’t take long for him to realize that his heart belonged in the cockpit. Determined to chase his dreams, he poured his energy into flight training, working tirelessly to turn his passion into reality. “He never gave up,” Timothy shared, reflecting on his son’s relentless drive to soar.
Beyond his career, Sam was eagerly preparing for a new chapter in life—his upcoming marriage. He and his fiancée were planning a fall wedding, excited for the future they were building together.
As Timothy grapples with the unimaginable loss of his son, he clings to the pride he felt watching Sam’s journey unfold. “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot,” he shared. “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.”
Through tears, Timothy spoke of the legacy his son leaves behind. Sam was not just a skilled pilot; he was a beacon of joy and kindness who embraced life wholeheartedly. “He always helped others,” Timothy recalled, highlighting how Sam’s deep Christian faith shone through in his everyday acts of generosity and compassion. Though gone too soon, Sam’s impact on those who knew him will never fade.
Sam’s close friend and fellow pilot, Skeeter Little, will forever treasure the memories they shared. “The man had a smile every day. He had the best jokes,” Skeeter recalled, his voice filled with both admiration and sorrow. During flight school, Sam’s infectious energy and sense of humor turned even the most challenging days into unforgettable moments—including the thoughtful, homemade lunches he always packed.
For Sam, flying wasn’t just a career; it was a lifelong dream fueled by a deep connection to his father’s legacy. “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, struggling to put his grief into words.
Aviation, he explained, is more than just a profession—it’s a family. Every sector of an airline, from pilots to crew and ground staff, works together to ensure the safe operation of flights. And in this close-knit community, the loss of one of their own is felt deeply. Sam’s presence, his laughter, and his unwavering passion for flying will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Samuel Lilley was a cherished member of the aviation community, dedicating his life to flying and working tirelessly to achieve his dream. Rising to the position of First Officer at American Airlines, he had finally reached a milestone he had long aspired to. Now, the aviation world grieves the loss of one of its own, as fellow pilots, airline workers, and friends flood social media with heartfelt tributes and condolences.
Skeeter Little, his close friend and fellow pilot, shared a poignant message: “Thoughts to all the families. Prayers. Hug your loved ones. Tragic things happen, and um… clear skies and tailwinds.”
Sam was aboard a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas. As the aircraft approached Runway 33 at Reagan Washington International Airport, it tragically collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, leaving the aviation community in shock and mourning.
Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) extended his deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He assured that as investigations continue, answers will emerge, shedding light on the causes of the accident and guiding efforts to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
With decades of experience as a helicopter pilot, Timothy Lilley understands the intricate challenges of aerial operations—especially over the Potomac River at night. Having flown in and out of the Pentagon during the 1990s, he knows firsthand the difficulties of navigating the route where his son’s tragic accident occurred.
Timothy pointed out that night vision goggles, while essential in many situations, can severely limit a pilot’s ability to spot other aircraft. “If you’re not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance,” he explained. After carefully analyzing the crash, he believes the commercial PSA jet was following proper procedures, while the military helicopter made a fatal miscalculation. “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, his voice heavy with grief.
In response to the tragedy, U.S. President Donald Trump provided an update, confirming that the search and rescue operation had transitioned into a recovery mission, as there were no survivors. He commended first responders for their swift and thorough efforts, utilizing every available resource to manage the devastating crash.
The President also pledged unwavering support for the grieving families and vowed to uncover the truth behind the disaster. “We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas. We’ll find out how this happened, and we’ll ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,” he assured.

As of the time of publication, at least 40 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River, according to a law enforcement source, marking a grim toll in the wake of the tragic collision.
In a crucial development, investigators have also retrieved the plane’s black boxes, which contain vital flight data and cockpit recordings. These devices are expected to provide key insights into the final moments before the crash, aiding authorities in piecing together exactly what went wrong. As the investigation unfolds, families and the aviation community await answers that could help prevent such a devastating tragedy from happening again.