ATLANTA – The family of 28-year-old Samuel Lilley is mourning the loss of their loved one after he was identified as one of the pilots killed in a midair collision near Reagan National Airport. The crash, which involved a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter, has left aviation officials and loved ones searching for answers.
Father Recalls the Moment He Learned the Devastating News
Timothy Lilley, a former Army helicopter pilot, never imagined he would receive the call no parent wants to hear. While in New York for work, he saw reports of the crash on the news but didn’t immediately think his son was involved.
“Last night when I saw on Fox News there was a crash in D.C., I really didn’t think there was any way that was my son,” Timothy Lilley told FOX 5 Atlanta. But when his son failed to check in as he always did, dread set in. Soon, his worst fears were confirmed.
“This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” he said.
A Passion for Flying That Spanned Generations
Samuel Lilley grew up in Georgia, following in his father’s footsteps with a deep passion for aviation. He began flight training in 2019 and had been working as a pilot for PSA Airlines, a regional carrier under the American Airlines group, for two years.
His career was just beginning to take off. Friends and family say he was dedicated to his job and had dreams of moving up in the airline industry.
Beyond his work, Sam had another milestone ahead—he was engaged to be married.
Questions Remain About the Cause of the Tragic Crash
The midair collision has raised many questions about what went wrong. According to Timothy Lilley, his background as a military pilot leads him to believe the military helicopter may have made a tragic miscalculation. However, officials have not yet determined the cause.
Aviation experts are analyzing radar data, air traffic control communication, and wreckage patterns to piece together the events that led to the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation, and preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks.
Aviation Safety and Midair Collision Risks
Midair collisions are rare but catastrophic when they occur. Aviation safety measures, including advanced radar technology and strict air traffic control protocols, are designed to prevent such disasters.
- In 2021, the FAA recorded only 16 midair collisions in the U.S., most of them involving small, private aircraft.
- Commercial airline accidents remain among the least common types of aviation incidents.
- The introduction of collision-avoidance systems in modern aircraft has significantly reduced risks.
Still, incidents like this one highlight the challenges of airspace management near busy airports, especially when civilian and military aircraft operate in the same area.
A Community and Airline in Mourning
PSA Airlines and American Airlines have expressed their condolences to the Lilley family and all those affected by the crash.
“We are devastated by this loss,” a PSA Airlines spokesperson said in a statement. “Sam was a valued member of our pilot community, and his passion for aviation was evident to all who worked with him.”
Friends and colleagues have also taken to social media to share memories of Sam, describing him as a dedicated pilot, a loyal friend, and someone who always carried a smile in the cockpit.
What Comes Next?
Investigators will continue examining the crash site, reviewing flight data, and speaking with witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events. Meanwhile, Sam Lilley’s loved ones are left with an unfillable void.
As his father grieves, he hopes to find answers. “I just want to know what happened,” Timothy Lilley said. “I lost my son, and I need to understand why.”
