Earlier today (Jan. 30), President Trump and the D.C. Fire and EMS chief confirmed that no survivors are expected from the helicopter and jet crash in D.C. The passenger American Eagle flight was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, including two pilots. Three military members were on board the chopper. One of the pilots’ fathers is now speaking out about how difficult sleep feels since his son, Sam Lilley, passed away.
“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,” his father wrote on Facebook. “It is so devastating to lose someone that is loved so much.”
Pilots: Second-In-Command’s Father Says Crash Was Helicopter Error
The 28-year-old was second in command to Captain Jonathan Campos, 34. Campos has been flying American Eagle jets since 2022. He’s a Florida native and studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in his home state. The AA pilot as served as a flight instructor who called him”skilled and dedicated” in a statement on Thursday, per Newsweek.
Lilley’s father, Timothy, told Fox 5 Atlanta that the shocking incident was the “worst day” of his life. The news was hard to believe, he said. Timothy was also a pilot for 20 years in the Army, and he gave his take on flying over the Potomac River. He said that without night vision goggles, the Army pilots would’ve had a better chance at seeing the passenger jet.
“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 Lilley said.
Latest Updates From The Recovery Efforts
As of noon Thursday, recovery efforts resulted in 28 bodies found in the Potomac River. Police are still investigating how the Black Hawk flight of two “very experienced” pilots and one exposed crew chief ended up in the passenger jet’s flight path.
Officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita. It was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path. The aircraft were reportedly supposed to be at different altitudes, but the jet wasn’t. The chopper’s pilots also failed to respond to air tower controllers’ questions moments before the explosive impact.
This jet and helicopter collision is the deadliest plane crash in the country since 2001. That year, a plane taking off from Kennedy Airport crashed into Belle Harbor, New York, and killed 260 aboard.
Loved Ones Of Passengers Begin To Share Statements
Details about the American Eagles’. passengers are still limited. However, some of them have been identified as figure skaters, including two respected Russian coaches, two skaters, and their parents. The crew was headed back to D.C. after a development camp in Wichita, Kansas.
A man told local news that he was waiting for his wife’s plane to land. Her last text to him said she was 20 minutes out, then nothing. Hamaad Raza couldn’t reach his wife. He shared his hopes that her body would be found.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly says he’s confident that the remains of those killed in the crash will be recovered, but it may take some time. American Airlines has sent up centers in Washington and Wichita, Kansas, for people searching for information about family members and families.
Meawhile, the president of the U.S., has stirred strong reactions on social media and amid politicians for his seemingly tone-deaf energy following the collision. In a press conference, he pointed fingers at the Biden administration, and DEI employee hires as a possible cause of the crash. When asked how he knew this information, he cited “common sense.”
