New Jersey Flight Instructor Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter After Fatal 2022 Crash

A New Jersey man who continued to teach flight lessons after losing his certification has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and dozens of related charges stemming from a 2022 plane crash that killed a student pilot.

According to court documents, 37-year-old Philip Everton McPherson II of New Jersey pleaded guilty to 43 of 44 counts in exchange for the government dropping one charge of conspiracy to defraud the FAA. McPherson, whose commercial and certified flight instructor (CFI) certificates had been revoked by the FAA for “lack of demonstrated competence,” continued giving flight instruction illegally for nearly a year until the fatal crash.

The September 28, 2022 accident occurred at Pennsylvania’s Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport (KXLL) when McPherson and 49-year-old student pilot Keith Kozel attempted a soft-field takeoff in a Piper PA-28-140 owned by Pro Flite Aero. The aircraft struggled to climb, clipped trees, and crashed into a residential area, igniting a post-crash fire that killed Kozel. McPherson survived with injuries after being pulled from the wreckage by a nearby homeowner.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found a partial loss of engine power but also noted McPherson’s decision-making contributed to the crash. The report stated that while the aircraft’s engine was running, it was “noticeably weak,” and the plane was unable to climb above 200 feet. Weather conditions at the time were conducive to carburetor icing, which may have reduced power output.

Investigations revealed McPherson had his certificates revoked in 2021 following repeated incidents of poor airmanship, including runway excursions with students that caused aircraft damage. After failing a mandatory FAA reexamination ride, he surrendered his certificates but was granted a temporary license allowing him to fly solo or with an instructor—not passengers or students. Despite this, McPherson continued teaching under the radar, logging 79 hours of illegal instruction and collecting over $100,000 in payments from students.

Pro Flite Aero’s owner, Nouman Saleem, was also indicted for knowingly allowing McPherson to instruct without valid credentials. Saleem pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction charges earlier this year and agreed to pay $101,528 in restitution to affected students.

McPherson was arrested in August 2024 and initially pleaded not guilty before accepting the plea deal. He now faces up to 153 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, wire fraud, and other offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2026.

The case highlights ongoing safety and oversight challenges within general aviation training, where instructors operating outside FAA certification rules pose significant risks to student pilots and flight schools alike.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, flyingmag.com