A flight instructor, Philip Everton McPherson II, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for a crash that killed a student pilot in eastern Pennsylvania.

McPherson, who had surrendered his pilot’s certificate after two previous crashes with students, was in control of the plane when it crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff from Queen City Airport in Allentown on September 28, 2022.

The crash resulted in the death of the 49-year-old student, identified only as “K.K.,” and left McPherson seriously injured.

Despite knowing he was not competent to fly, McPherson continued to instruct and fly with passengers, leading to additional charges, the Associated Press has reported.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail, facing a potential 128-year prison sentence.

Written by B.C. Begley