A Georgia family is reeling after their son, a pilot, was killed in the tragic midair collision between a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
A family with deep connections to Georgia is grappling with unimaginable grief after learning that their loved one was one of the pilots tragically killed in the midair collision between a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night. Timothy Lilley , speaking to FOX 5 Atlanta from Washington, D.C., shared the devastating news that his 28-year-old son, Sam Lilley , was one of the two pilots aboard the aircraft.
\'This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,' he said, his voice heavy with sorrow. Timothy, a seasoned pilot himself, was in New York for work when the news of the accident shattered his world. He initially struggled to believe his son was involved, but when Sam failed to check in, a routine he always followed, his worst fears were confirmed. Officials have stated that the military helicopter was engaged in a training exercise when the collision occurred. Timothy, who served 20 years as a helicopter pilot in the Army, possesses a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in such operations. \'I was a helicopter pilot in the Army for 20 years. In the '90s, I used to fly in and out of the Pentagon regularly, 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. If you're not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance,' Timothy explained. He believes that the commercial PSA jet involved in the incident was adhering to proper procedures, but the military helicopter made a catastrophic error. '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.' Now, Timothy faces the agonizing wait for answers. He spent the night at the airport, filling out forms and being told to wait. As the investigation continues, his focus remains on seeking clarity about what led to his son's death. Timothy, his son Sam, and their family have strong ties to the Savannah area. In addition to his family, Sam reportedly leaves behind a fiancée. \All 64 people aboard the American Airlines jet and the 3 soldiers on board the Army helicopter are feared dead, according to officials. As of 12 p.m. Thursday, at least 28 bodies have been pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration have joined the National Transportation Safety Board-led investigation of the midair collision between the passenger jet and military helicopter
Accidents Aviation Plane Crash Military Helicopter American Airlines DC Potomac River Timothy Lilley Sam Lilley Georgia
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Georgia Family Mourns Loss of Pilot in DC Plane CrashA Georgian family is reeling from the loss of their son, a pilot killed in the tragic collision between a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport. Timothy Lilley, the victim's father, speaks about the devastating event and his son's dedication to flying.
Read more »
Georgia Family Grieves Loss of Son, Pilot Killed in DC Plane CrashA Georgia family is mourning the loss of their son, Sam Lilley, a pilot who was killed in a tragic collision between a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Timothy Lilley, Sam's father, spoke to FOX 5 Atlanta about the devastating incident. He believes the military helicopter likely made a fatal error. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Read more »
Notre Dame mourns attack as it preps to face Georgia in CFPNotre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said his team is processing the attack that killed 15 people while still preparing to win a critical game.
Read more »
Southwest Airlines Pilot Arrested for DUI at Georgia AirportA Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on Wednesday for driving under the influence of alcohol. A TSA officer detected the smell of alcohol on the pilot, leading to the arrest by law enforcement. The incident caused a five-hour delay for Flight 3772, which was headed to Chicago. Southwest Airlines confirmed the arrest and stated that the employee has been removed from duty.
Read more »
Southwest Pilot Arrested for Intoxication at Georgia AirportA Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Georgia, for allegedly reporting to work intoxicated. The incident caused a delay for a flight bound for Chicago. TSA officers noticed signs of intoxication and contacted local law enforcement.
Read more »
Family Mourns Texas Man Killed in Wrong-Way Crash Involving Police ChaseJoel Jusino, 35, was killed in a car crash caused by a wrong-way driver who was fleeing police in Dallas. The driver, Devonte Webber, is facing multiple charges, including murder.
Read more »