Sam Lilley was one of the two pilots on the flight which collided with an army helicopter on Wednesday (29 January) over Washington D.C. Both aircrafts were sent crashing into the Potomac River with all 67 people on board them dead.
Officials are currently investigating the crash with the black boxes recovered from the American Airlines plane.
Timothy Lilley, the father of American Airlines pilot Sam Lilley, told Fox 5 following the devastating incident: “This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life.”
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Both aircrafts plunged into the river. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
He explained he was in New York when he saw there had been a crash, adding: “I really didn’t think there was any way that was my son.”
But the father’s worst fears were confirmed when his son didn’t check in after the flight as he normally would do.
The pair shared a passion for flying, with Sam starting his flight training in 2019 and having worked with PSA Airlines (part of the American Airlines group) for two years while Timothy served 20 years as a helicopter pilot in the army.
The dad went on to claim it was the military chopper at fault: “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.”
Investigators are yet to name a cause for the incident.
Sam was one of the pilots on board. (Fox5)
Timothy is now waiting for answers, having travelled to the crash site, filled out forms at the airport and been told to wait for further information.
As officials continue the investigation, with black boxes recovered from the plane, the pilot’s father is remaining focused on seeking clarity on the events that led to his son’s death.
