Father of American Airlines pilot killed in DC crash speaks out on ‘devastating’ accident
The world was rocked earlier this week when an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter in a horror collision, killing all of those on board.
The PSA jet (AA 5432), which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was landing at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it was struck mid-air by a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter carrying three soldiers around 9.00pm local time on Wednesday (29 January).
At least 40 bodies have been recovered so far as emergency crews work around the clock.
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Speaking at a news conference on Thursday (30 January), DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said there are not believed to be any survivors from the collision and rescuers are now conducting a recovery operation.
"We are now at a point where we’re switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident," he said.
Sam Lilley, 28, was one of two people piloting the commercial flight from Wichita, Kansas.
His father, Timothy Lilley, has since spoken out on the 'devastating' accident, telling Fox 5 Atlanta: "This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life."
Lilley, a former army helicopter pilot, also explained that he knew there was a problem when Sam failed to check in - something he always did.
The father was in New York for work when he realised Sam was flying when the crash happened.
Lilley speculated that the American Airlines plane was following proper protocol but claimed the military helicopter made a mistake that led to the collision, according to WAGA-TV.
"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," he said.
Writing in a Facebook post published Thursday (30 January), Lilley also shared: "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."
The grieving father added: "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."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Rhiannon Ingle