On January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., claimed the life of 28-year-old First Officer Samuel “Sam” Lilley, among others. Sam was serving as the first officer on American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2025/01/30/american-airlines-pilot-28-killed-in-dc-plane-crash-what-we-know-about-the-victims/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Sam’s father, Timothy Lilley, also a pilot, expressed profound grief over the loss of his son. He shared that Sam had begun his flight training in 2019 and had been working with PSA Airlines, a regional carrier under American Airlines, for two years. Reflecting on his son’s passion for aviation, Timothy said, “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot.” He also revealed that Sam was engaged to be married later that year. ([fox5atlanta.com](https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/pilot-american-airlines-jet-crashed-near-washington-dc-had-georgia-ties?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The Lilley family, with ties to Georgia, is now mourning the untimely loss of Sam. Timothy emphasized the close bond he shared with his son, both sharing a love for flying. He noted that Sam always checked in regularly, and when he didn’t hear from him after the incident, his worst fears were confirmed. ([fox5atlanta.com](https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/pilot-american-airlines-jet-crashed-near-washington-dc-had-georgia-ties?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
As investigations into the collision continue, the Lilley family, along with many others affected by this tragedy, seeks clarity and understanding about the circumstances that led to the devastating loss of their loved ones. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2025/01/30/american-airlines-pilot-28-killed-in-dc-plane-crash-what-we-know-about-the-victims/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
