The aviation world is mourning the loss of Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old American Airlines pilot who died in a mid-air collision near Washington, D.C. Sam, who was engaged to be married, had followed his father Timothy Lilley’s passion for flying, making his death even more heartbreaking for the family.
The crash occurred on January 29 when the PSA Airlines flight Sam was co-piloting collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Timothy, a veteran military helicopter pilot, was in New York when he learned of the tragedy. At first, he refused to believe his son was involved, but as hours passed without word from Sam, his worst fears were realized.
“This is the worst day of my life,” Timothy wrote in a touching Facebook post. He shared how Sam had initially pursued a career in marketing before discovering his love for flying. Sam had been with PSA Airlines for two years and was looking forward to marrying his fiancée later this year.
Timothy finds comfort in the legacy his son left behind, remembering him as a kind, joyful person who lived life to the fullest. “Sam always gave back to the community and lived his faith through his actions,” he said. Friends and colleagues also paid tribute, recalling Sam’s humor and dedication to his craft.
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, Timothy hopes for answers and accountability. He believes the military helicopter may have made a critical error, while the PSA flight followed proper protocols. The aviation community continues to honor Sam’s memory, offering support to his grieving family.
