A flight instructor from New Jersey, Philip Everton McPherson II, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following the tragic death of his student pilot, Keith Kozel, during a plane crash last year. The indictment, which was unsealed recently, indicates serious concerns about McPherson's qualifications to operate aircraft, raising questions about the oversight of flight instruction practices.
The accident occurred on September 28, 2022, just after takeoff from Queen City Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The single-engine Piper PA-28 lost power shortly after leaving the ground, leading to its crash about one and a half miles away from the airport. Reports suggest the plane caught fire, complicing the rescue efforts. Tragically, Kozel perished, and McPherson sustained serious injuries.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated McPherson had taken control of the aircraft from Kozel moments after they encountered engine trouble. Eyewitness accounts revealed desperate attempts to save Kozel, but flames quickly engulfed the cabin, making it impossible for anyone to reach him.
What adds to the gravity of the situation is McPherson's history as an instructor. Federal prosecutors highlighted several alarming incidents leading up to the crash. Prior to this fateful flight, McPherson had surrendered his pilot's license after failing a certification test and had been involved in two prior crash incidents during instructional flights where planes veered off runways, causing substantial damage but fortunately no fatalities.
Despite these warnings and after being assessed by FAA Safety Inspectors who deemed him unfit to command flights, McPherson continued to teach and supervise students. He even flew with students after his license had expired, which is illegal under federal aviation regulations.
This situation came to light following multiple allegations and incidents leading to stakeholders questioning his capability. The indictment makes it clear McPherson acted “grossly negligent” when he took Kozel for what would be his final lesson, disregarding his inability to safely operate the aircraft.
According to the indictment, McPherson has been charged not only with involuntary manslaughter but also faces 40 counts of operating as an airman without holding a valid certificate after surrendering his pilot's license. If convicted, McPherson could face up to 128 years behind bars, alongside hefty fines.
His lawyer, public defender Jonathan McDonald, has not publicly commented on the case, but McPherson has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He remains out on bail, awaiting the legal proceedings to determine the outcome.
This incident raises pertinent questions about flight school oversight and the measures taken to protect students undergoing flight instruction. With accidents like this sparking intense scrutiny and calling for reforms, it becomes apparent how critical it is for aviation authorities to thoroughly assess the competencies of flight instructors to safeguard the lives of future pilots.
The devastating consequences of McPherson’s alleged negligence have left the aviation community and Kozel’s family grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. While many hope for justice, there’s also a palpable call for improvements within the aviation training industry to prevent similar occurrences from happening again.
The intersection of regulation, personal accountability, and educational practices within flight instruction has sparked discussions not only among officials but also among the wider public who watched this case develop. The upcoming proceedings will likely examine not just McPherson's actions, but also look toward improving the systemic issues within training protocols.
The case against McPherson is yet another reminder of the critical nature of aviation safety and the responsibilities instructors hold over their students. With lives hanging in the balance, attention must turn toward ensuring proper training and adherence to safety regulations are strictly enforced within flight schools.
