Illegal CFI Faces Charge of Involuntary Manslaughter

Flying Magazine ^ | August 9, 2024 | Meg Godlewski

[xxqqzz]

ave you checked your CFI's credentials? How do you know they are legal to provide instruction?

This question is being asked at flight schools across the country as the CFI world and the nonaviation media are sharing the story of 36-year-old Philip Everton McPherson II, from Haddon Township, New Jersey. McPherson faces one count of involuntary manslaughter for the crash of the Piper PA-28-140 on September 28, 2022, that killed student pilot Keith Kozel, 49.

A federal grand jury indicted McPherson on August 1. He was arrested at his home on August 5.

McPherson’s commercial and CFI certificates were surrendered to the FAA more than a year before the accident because he had failed a 44709 ride (reexamination for airman privileges).

FLYING Magazine obtained a copy of the 11-page indictment that said McPherson "acted with gross negligence because he knew that he was not competent to safely fly an aircraft as the pilot in command.” According to the indictment, his commercial pilot and instructor certificates were surrendered to the FAA in October 2021 after he failed a reexamination ride.

[xxqqzz]

This guy had been flying for 4 years and was a flight instructor. He had lost his commercial license after 2 previous crashes as a flight instructor and failing a flying test. However, he continued working as a flight instructor. The plane lost power for some reason on takeoff and he should not have continued with the flight. He survived, but student was killed. Federal charges of manslaughter and 40 counts of flying as an instructor without a license. Could get 8 years for manslaughter and 3 years for each count of without a license for a total of 128 years and a $10 million fine. The flying school is out of business.

[steve86]

My CFI was like a god to the regional FAA office. He was definitely legit and later became an examiner. Passed away a couple of years ago.

[mabarker1]

FYI

[21twelve]

I was very confused until reading the comments. CFI, NOT GFI.

[alexander_busek]

My CFI was like a god to the regional FAA office. He was definitely legit and later became an examiner. Passed away a couple of years ago.

Hopefully: Peacefully, in his sleep.

Not like all the other 217 passengers in the plane he was flying, screaming and crying.

Regards,

[eyeamok]

My CFI is head of the airspace safety committee for the FAA and we fly together a lot, he is also my friend for many many years.

[Scrambler Bob]

What is a CFI?

Please.

[Controlling Legal Authority]

Certified Flight Instructor