A Haddon Township, New Jersey, man is facing serious charges related to a plane crash in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, that killed a student pilot.
Philip Everton McPherson II, 36, has been indicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter and 40 counts of illegally serving as an airman without a valid certificate.
The indictment alleges McPherson acted with gross negligence when he piloted a Piper-28-140 aircraft on September 28, 2022, resulting in the death of the student pilot on board.
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Prosecutors claim McPherson was aware he was not qualified to fly, citing his prior accidents, a failed re-examination for his pilot’s certificate, and his voluntary surrender of his certificate due to a lack of competence.
The indictment further charges McPherson with numerous instances of illegally flying passengers between October 2021 and September 2022 without the required certification.
If convicted, McPherson could face a maximum sentence of 128 years in prison, along with fines and supervised release. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by federal authorities.
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It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and McPherson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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