VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Central Florida aviation community is mourning the loss of 28-year-old Samuel Lilley, a promising First Officer whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating midair collision over Washington, D.C., Wednesday night.
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Samuel was among 64 passengers and crew aboard an American Airlines flight bound for Reagan National Airport when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers collided with the commercial jet in midair.
Little described Samuel as more than just a pilot—but a man with a bright future ahead of him. He had worked tirelessly to earn his place in the skies, graduating from flight school in Volusia County in 2020.
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“Sam wanted nothing more than to be a pilot. His dad was a pilot. We’re all trying to achieve the same goal. Become pilots,” said Skeeter Little, Friend and Pilot.
According to his father’s Facebook Page, he was also preparing for another milestone—a wedding. He was engaged to be married this fall.
Little talked to Channel 9 a day after the devastating crash. She said Samuel brought energy and warmth to class during flight school with his jokes and packed the best lunches.
“The man had a smile every day. He had the best jokes, and those are memories that you think about forever,” said Little.
Like many in the aviation industry, the world is grappling with the shock and sorrow of this tragedy.
“Aviation is such a small world. It’s such a close-knit family at the end of the day, it takes all departments of an airline, of a charter, of an organization to get planes on and off the ground,” said Little.
Samuel dedicated his life to flying, working his way up to First Officer for American Airlines—a dream he had chased for years.
As investigators work to determine what led to the deadly collision, the aviation world is left grieving one of its own. Tributes on social media continue to pour in from fellow pilots and airline workers, many sharing words of kindness.
“Thoughts to all the families. Prayers. Hug your loved ones. Tragic things happen, and um. Clear skies and tailwinds,” Little said.
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