‘They did everything right’: Local pilot’s family stands by son’s actions in fatal D.C. midair collision, hails Senate aviation safety victory

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - The family of First Officer Sam Lilley is defending their son’s actions after the federal government admitted Wednesday that air traffic control and Army helicopter pilot errors contributed to the deadly midair collision that killed 67 people near Washington, D.C., in January.

Tim and Sheri Lilley issued a statement following the government’s court filing, which acknowledged liability in the crash while also suggesting that the airline pilots may have played a role in the tragedy.

“We stand by the facts presented at the NTSB’s investigative hearing, which confirmed that AA5342 Captain Jonathan Campos and our son, First Officer, Sam Lilley, complied with all required federal procedures and industry-standard operating practices,” the family said. “They did everything right the night of January 29.”

Government admits partial responsibility

The federal filing came in response to the first lawsuit filed by victims’ families in the Jan. 29 crash between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport. The collision killed all 64 people aboard the airliner and three soldiers in the helicopter.

The government admitted that an air traffic controller violated visual separation procedures and that the Army helicopter pilots failed to maintain vigilance to see and avoid the airline jet. However, the filing also suggested that others, including the airline pilots and carriers, may have contributed to the crash.

The lawsuit blamed American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, for roles in the crash, though both airlines have filed motions to dismiss the claims.

Lilley family reacts to Senate passing aviation safety bill

The federal filing comes on the heels of the Senate approving a bipartisan aviation safety bill that the Lilley family has been advocating for since the crash. The ROTOR Act will require all aircraft to use ADS-B technology to broadcast their locations, closing a loophole that allowed military aircraft to fly without transmitting their positions.

The Army Black Hawk involved in the January crash had the capability to broadcast its location but was flying with the system turned off during a training mission.

“We are deeply appreciative of the bipartisan effort that led to today’s Senate passage of the ROTOR Act,” Tim and Sheri Lilley said in a statement. “We are grateful for the leadership and tireless efforts of Senators Cruz and Cantwell to achieve this important milestone.”

The family thanked President Trump for his support of aviation safety and urged the House to act promptly on the legislation.

“With this important action, Senators across the aisle honored the 67 lives lost on January 29, including our son Sam,” they said. “While no legislation can bring Sam back, today’s action acknowledges the magnitude of that loss and affirms that meaningful change can come from it.”

Investigation continues

The National Transportation Safety Board will release its final report on the crash early next year. Investigators have already identified several contributing factors, including the helicopter flying 78 feet higher than the 200-foot limit on its route and the FAA’s failure to recognize dangers around the busy airport despite 85 near misses in the three years before the crash.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said the “tragedy could have been avoided” if the Army Black Hawk had been using its ADS-B system to broadcast its location before the crash.

The crash victims included elite young figure skaters, their parents and coaches returning from a competition in Wichita, Kansas, and four union steamfitters from the Washington area.

The ROTOR Act also requires a review of safety at airports across the country and mandates that the military and FAA share safety data more freely.