Tragedy struck the skies over Washington, D.C., on the evening of January 29, when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The devastating incident, which occurred around 9 p.m. local time, claimed the lives of all 60 passengers and four crew members on board the commercial flight. Three soldiers on the helicopter are also feared dead.

Timothy Lilley, a former military helicopter pilot, confirmed that his 28-year-old son, Sam Lilley, was one of two pilots on the American Airlines flight who died in the fatal midair collision.

“This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life,” Timothy told Fox 5.

The now grieving father explained that he shared a passion for flying with Sam, who started flight training in 2019. He verified that Sam was working with PSA Airlines, a regional group owned by American Airlines, for two years. Sam was also engaged to be married.

At the time of the crash, Timothy was in New York for work and hadn’t realized his son was on the flight: “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,” Timothy said.

But when he didn’t hear from Sam, who frequently stayed in touch, Timothy knew the worst had happened.

‘Hurts so bad’

The next day, the proud but heartbroken dad shared a heartbreaking post on Facebook, expressing his profound grief.

“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 captions the post that includes an photo of Sam standing in front of an APT (Advanced Pilot Training) aircraft. “He was doing great in his career and his personal life.  He was engaged to get married in the fall.”

He continues, “Sam was the First Officer on the flight that crashed in DC [January 29]. It is so devastating to lose someone that is loved so much.”

His post resonated deeply, garnering an outpouring of support from family, friends, and even strangers who were moved by his loss.

“My heart goes out to you Tim,” shares one user. Another offering support to Sam’s father and mother, Sheri, writes, “I have no words. My heart aches for you and Sheri and the whole family.”

‘Grave error’

A third, praising Sam as a pilot, pens, “My heart breaks for you and your family. Knowing he was your son, I would have boarded any plane he was in command of and not thought twice about it. I wish you peace and comfort in the upcoming days and weeks.”

But Timothy, who served 20 years as an army helicopter pilot, is finding little peace in what happened.

Turning to his experience, Timothy tells Fox 5: “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 explained.

“From what I can see, those guys turned right into the jet,” Timothy said of the U.S. Army Black Hawk. “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.

The National Transportation Safety Board is now leading an investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to People.

Our thoughts go out to those who lost loved ones in this tragic crash. Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story with others so we can all send our very best wishes to those who are grieving right now.