Pilot’s Family Demands Air Safety Overhaul After Deadly D.C. Crash

The family of Sam Lilley, a pilot killed in a tragic midair collision near Washington, D.C., is channeling their grief into a passionate call for air safety reforms. The January crash, involving an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, claimed 67 lives and exposed glaring flaws in aviation protocols.

Tim Lilley, Sam’s father and a seasoned pilot, described the loss as a wake-up call. "No family should endure this pain," he said, pointing to outdated systems and risky procedures at Reagan National. He highlighted the dangerous overlap of military helicopters circling near the Pentagon while commercial jets approach, a problem he and Sam often discussed.

The crash has sparked broader scrutiny of aviation safety. Reports of understaffing at Reagan’s control tower and allegations of discriminatory hiring practices at the Federal Aviation Administration have fueled concerns. Tim also criticized the nation’s antiquated air traffic control technology, designed decades ago and struggling to keep pace with modern demands.

Yet, amid the tragedy, there’s hope. The Lilley family praised Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for his swift response. "He’s moving at the speed of business, not government," Tim noted, referencing a new three-year plan to modernize air traffic control with upgraded radar, new telecom networks, and additional control centers.

The family also thanked President Trump for championing these changes, emphasizing that safe skies transcend politics. "Every American deserves to fly without fear," Tim said. For Sam’s stepmother, Sheri, the mission is personal: "We want Sam Lilley’s name to stand for aviation safety."

As reforms take shape, the Lilleys vow to keep pushing, ensuring their loss drives lasting change.