Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old American Airlines pilot, tragically lost his life in a mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., leaving his family, friends, and the aviation community in mourning. Sam, who was engaged to be married, had followed his father Timothy Lilley’s passion for flying, making his death even more devastating.
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 heard the news. At first, he refused to believe his son could be involved, but as hours passed without word from Sam, his fears grew.
“This is the worst day of my life,” Timothy shared in a heartfelt Facebook post. He recalled how Sam had initially worked in marketing before discovering his love for flying. Sam had been with PSA Airlines for two years and was eagerly preparing for his upcoming wedding.
Timothy remembers his son as a kind, joyful person who lived life with purpose. “Sam always gave back to the community and lived his Christian 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 clarity and accountability. He believes the military helicopter may have made a fatal error, while the PSA flight followed all protocols. The aviation community continues to honor Sam’s memory, offering support to his grieving family.
