The father of 28-year-old Sam Lilley, one of the two pilots on the American Airlines aircraft, sent an emotional message on Facebook after learning that his son had died in the horrific midair disaster, stating, “It hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep.”
On the night of January 29, American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, causing tragedy to erupt over Washington, D.C.
All 60 passengers and four crew members on board the commercial airplane perished in the tragic catastrophe, which happened at approximately 9 p.m. local time. Additionally, three soldiers in the chopper are thought to be deceased.
Former military helicopter pilot Timothy Lilley stated that two pilots on the American Airlines flight perished in the deadly midair crash, including his 28-year-old son, Sam Lilley.
“I can honestly say that today is the worst day of my life,” Timothy said to Fox 5.
The now-bereaved father clarified that Sam began flight training in 2019 since he also had a passion for flying. He confirmed that Sam had been employed for two years by PSA Airlines, an American Airlines regional subsidiary. Additionally, Sam was engaged to be married.
Timothy was in New York for work at the time of the incident and was unaware that his son was aboard the plane: “I really didn’t think there was any way that was my son when I saw on Fox News there was a crash in DC last night,” Timothy said.
However, Timothy realized the worst had happened when he didn’t hear from Sam, who kept in touch with him often.
“It hurts so much.”
The proud but distraught father posted a terrible message on Facebook the following day, expressing his deep sorrow.
“When Sam became a pilot, I was ecstatic. I’m in so much pain right now that I can’t even weep myself to sleep. He captions the picture of Sam standing in front of an APT (Advanced Pilot Training) plane, saying, “I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking.” “He was succeeding in both his personal and professional lives. In the fall, he was engaged to be married.
“Sam was the First Officer on the flight that crashed in Washington, DC [January 29],” he adds. The loss of someone you love deeply is heartbreaking.
His post struck a profound chord, inspiring a wave of support from friends, family, and even complete strangers who were saddened by his passing.
One person writes, “My heart goes out to you, Tim.” “I have no words,” writes Sheri, another who offers support to Sam’s mother and father. For you, Sheri, and the entire family, my heart hurts.
“Grave error”
“My heart breaks for you and your family,” writes a third, complimenting Sam on his skills as a pilot. I would have boarded whatever plane he was in charge of without hesitation because I knew he was your son. I hope the days and weeks ahead bring you comfort and serenity.
Timothy, however, who flew army helicopters for 20 years, is not very comforted by what transpired.
“I used to fly in and out of the Pentagon regularly in the ’90s, 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,” Timothy says, referring to his experience, as he speaks to Fox 5. He said, “You might have a chance if you’re not wearing the goggles.
Regarding the U.S. Army Black Hawk, Timothy stated, “Those guys turned right into the jet from what I can see.” “I believe the PSA jet was operating correctly. The Army pilot committed a serious mistake. “Those are my brothers, and now my son is dead, and it hurts me,” Timothy remarked.
People said the Federal Aviation Administration is currently working with the National Transportation Safety Board to launch an investigation.
We are thinking of the people who lost loved ones in this terrible collision. Please let us know what you think, and then tell others about this story so that we may all offer our deepest sympathies to those who are currently mourning.