The father of the man who flew the American Airlines plane that fatally collided with a military helicopter has spoken out.
In the aftermath of the tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., on January 29, which claimed 67 lives, two individuals with ties to Georgia have been identified among the victims.
First Officer Samuel “Sam” Lilley, 28, served as the first officer on American Airlines Flight 5342. He began his flight training in 2019 and had been with PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, for two years. Sam was engaged to be married later this year.
His father, Timothy Lilley, a former Army helicopter pilot, expressed his profound grief, stating to Fox 5 Atlanta, “This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life.”
Timothy, who was in New York for work reasons, recalled. “Last night when I saw on Fox News there was a crash in DC, I really didn’t think there was any way that was my son.”
However, when he didn’t heart from his son, who always checked in, he realized the worst had happened.
Reflecting on his son’s passion for aviation, he added, “He loved it. We just confirmed the news. We are in complete shock.”
Timothy, who served 20 years as a helicopter pilot in the Army, added: “In the ’90s, I used to fly in and out of the Pentagon regularly, and I can tell you if you are flying on the route over the Potomac and wearing night vision goggles, it’s going to be very hard to see that plane. If you’re not wearing the goggles, then you might have a chance.
He believes the American Airlines plane was following proper protocol, but the military aircraft made a fatal error. “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 said.
Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara, 28, a 2014 graduate of Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, was the crew chief aboard the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision.
He was remembered by his high school’s Marine Corps JROTC program, which stated, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own.”
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Josh Muehlendorf, who served with O’Hara, described him as “one of the most dedicated, disciplined, and committed soldiers I’ve ever worked with.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp extended his condolences, saying, “We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Ryan O’Hara and Sam Lilley as they navigate this difficult time.” He highlighted their shared passion for flight and service, noting the profound loss felt by their unexpected passing.
As investigations continue into the cause of this devastating accident, communities in Georgia and beyond mourn the loss of these two dedicated individuals.
