The father of the American Airlines pilot who was killed in a midair collision with a U.S. Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., has said he is taking comfort in knowing his son was a devout Christian and is “right with Jesus”.

Speaking to News Nation, Tim Lilley shared his grief while holding on to his son’s faith as a source of strength. “Sam’s right with Jesus, and I know where he’s going,” he said.

“We just need time. My family… and time. Lots of prayers.”

Sam, who was engaged to be married in the fall, was described by his father as a kind and hardworking man.

“I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep,” he wrote on Facebook. “I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking.”

Authorities reported that the American Airlines regional jet, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in icy conditions over the Potomac River.

Emergency teams recovered multiple bodies, and with 64 people on the jet and three on the helicopter, no survivors are expected.

According to The Christian Post, before his aviation career, Sam studied marketing before deciding to pursue flying, later joining PSA Airlines in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2018, which released a statement honouring him as an “outstanding alumnus who soared in his career.”

Tim Lilley, a former Army helicopter pilot, said he first heard about the crash on the news but did not immediately realise his son was involved.

After contacting Sam’s fiancée, he learned that his son’s flight was on the same route and began to fear the worst.

The tragedy marks the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years, with officials shifting from rescue to recovery operations as investigations continue.