The father of the pilot of the American Airlines flight involved in a tragic midair collision with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter was devastated by the loss of his son, who had been looking forward to getting married this year.
Sam Lilley, the First Officer on the flight, was among the 67 people believed to have died in the tragic accident, which occurred near Washington DC on Wednesday night.
His father, Tim Lilley, shared his heartbreak in a poignant Facebook post: “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep. I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking. He was doing great in his career and personal life.”
Tim continued, “He was engaged to get married this fall,” adding that his son was on the American Airlines flight that crashed in Washington DC.
The tragic collision involved an American Airlines passenger plane, which was carrying 64 people, and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers on board. Both aircraft crashed into the freezing Potomac River near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors.
Speaking to the nation, he said, “I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation. The work is now shifted to a recovery mission, and sadly, there are no survivors.” He added, “This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital… As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so sadly. Our country is really mourning. This has really shaken a lot of people including the ones from other nations..”
The crash occurred despite warnings from air traffic controllers, who alerted the Black Hawk helicopter that it was on course to collide with the approaching passenger jet. Audio from the control room captured the tense moments as the collision unfolded, with audible gasps from controllers.
In the aftermath, about 300 first responders were quickly mobilized for the rescue operation, according to DC Fire Chief John A. Donnelly.
