A family with Georgia ties is grieving after learning their loved one was one of the pilots killed in the crash between a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter crash near Reagan National Airport.
A family with ties to Georgia is grieving after learning their loved one was one of the pilots killed in the crash between a small American Airlines plane and a military helicopter crash near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
RELATED: DC plane crash updates: All feared dead after midair collisionTimothy Lilley, a former military helicopter pilot, confirmed that his 28-year-old son, Sam Lilley, was one of the two pilots aboard the American Airlines flight. "This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life," Timothy told FOX 5 Atlanta from Washington, D.C.Timothy, who was in New York for work, initially couldn't believe it was his son's flight. "Last night when I saw on Fox News there was a crash in DC, I really didn't think there was any way that was my son," he said. However, after failing to hear from Sam, who always checked in, his worst fears were confirmed.The father and son shared a passion for flying, with Sam having started his flight training in 2019 and working with PSA Airlines, part of the American Airlines group, for two years. Sam was also engaged to be married.Timothy, who served 20 years as a helicopter pilot in the Army, is familiar with the complexities of such operations. "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," he explained.He believes the commercial PSA jet was following proper procedures, but the military helicopter made a tragic 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," Timothy said.Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett offered condolences to the families of Sam Lilley and Tara O'Hara, the first officer aboard the American Airlines flight who is also from Georgia."While we will no doubt learn what went wrong and what we can do to prevent accidents like this in the coming weeks, I join all Georgians today in mourning the loss of these two young men and the dozens of others who lost their lives in this tragedy," he wrote. "Sam Lilley, the first officer onboard American Airlines Flight 5342, was a graduate of Richmond Hill High School and Georgia Southern University. As an aviator, Sam was following in the footsteps of his father, a former Army helicopter pilot. Sam was engaged to be married."Now, Timothy faces an agonizing wait for answers. He described the ordeal of reaching the crash site, navigating roadblocks, and filling out forms at the airport, only to be told to wait for further information.As of Thursday afternoon, officials reported that at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River. All 64 people aboard the American Airlines jet and the three soldiers on the Army helicopter are feared dead.The Federal Aviation Administration has joined the National Transportation Safety Board in leading the investigation into the collision. As the investigation continues, Timothy's focus remains on seeking clarity about what led to his son's death.
Travel News Us Dc Travel News Military Us Ga
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.
Delta Airlines Tops North American Airlines for On-Time PerformanceCirium's 2024 On-Time Performance Review highlights Delta Airlines as the most punctual airline in North America for the fourth consecutive year.
Read more »
American Airlines Wing Clips United Airlines Tail at O'Hare AirportAn American Airlines flight's wing clipped the tail of a United Airlines flight at O'Hare airport on Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported, and passengers on the American Airlines flight were rebooked on a replacement aircraft. The FAA is investigating the cause of the collision.
Read more »
American Airlines CEO Addresses Devastating Accident Involving American Eagle FlightAmerican Airlines CEO Robert Isom delivers a statement following a collision between an American Eagle flight and a military aircraft near Washington, D.C.
Read more »
American Airlines Expresses Sorrow Over PSA Airlines AccidentAmerican Airlines CEO Robert Isom addressed a serious accident involving an American Eagle flight operated by PSA Airlines near Washington, D.C. The CRJ-700 aircraft, en route from Wichita to Washington Reagan National Airport, reportedly collided with a military aircraft during approach. Isom expressed deep sorrow for the incident and emphasized the airline's focus on supporting passengers, crew members, families, and first responders. He pledged full cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation and urged patience for accurate information.
Read more »
American Airlines Confirms Collision of American Eagle Flight Near Washington, D.C.American Airlines CEO Robert Isom announces a serious accident involving an American Eagle flight operated by PSA Airlines, which collided with a military aircraft near Washington, D.C. The airline expresses deep sorrow and outlines its commitment to supporting passengers, families, and the ongoing investigation.
Read more »
American Airlines CEO Addresses Deadly Crash Involving American Eagle FlightAmerican Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a statement addressing a fatal accident involving an American Eagle flight operated by PSA Airlines near Washington, D.C. The aircraft, en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport, allegedly collided with a military aircraft on approach. Isom expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the airline's focus on supporting passengers, crew members, families, and first responders. He confirmed 64 people were on board – four crew members and 60 passengers – and announced the establishment of a special helpline for concerned families and friends.
Read more »