Father Says Co-Pilot In DC Disaster was “Right With Jesus”

“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 his personal life. He was engaged to get married in the fall,” posted Tim Lilley, the pilot’s father. He said ” Sam was the First Officer on the flight that crashed in DC last night. It is so devastating to lose someone that is loved so much.”

Sam worked for PSA Airlines and was killed when his plane collided with a DOD helicopter. This disaster is the most deadly airplane accident in 24 years. Tim Lilley also gave an interview to Chris Cuomo, now of Newsnation.

He said of his son, “His career was going great. He was engaged to a great girl. He was just at the prime of his life.”

“I was so proud of him,” Tim Lilley added. He also explained that his son was able to obtain his license in just a few years because he “pursued it with a vigor.” “You know, we saw there was an accident. I didn’t think there was any way it was Sam, but I knew he was on a trip,” he remembered. “So, through my wife, we got in touch with his fiancé, and we found out what trip he was on.”

“The only thing giving me any comfort at all” was his son’s devout faith: “Sam’s right with Jesus, and I know where he’s going.” He explained, “We just need time. My family, and time, [and] Lots of prayers.” He offered some theories as to what caused the fatal crash; “Sam was flying just the way he was supposed to…Totally speculation on my part. If they were wearing [night vision goggles], I’ve seen this before, where it’s almost impossible to see an aircraft where it’s backlit by a city.”

Although he didn’t blame the helicopter pilots. “I don’t want to blame, you know, my brothers that fly Black Hawks,” he explained. “I flew them for 20 years, and I love those guys.” The grieving father looks forward to the investigation into the accident. “I would like to know exactly what happened,” Tim Lilley concluded. “And I just want to find a way to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Nobody else should have to go through this.”

In response to the tragedy, Nick Daniels, President of The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, has announced that “it would be premature to speculate on the root cause of this accident.” “NATCA mourns the tragic loss of life as a result of the accident that occurred at Washington National (DCA) airport last night between a regional jet and a helicopter,”they stated. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected by this event.”