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aircraft crash investigation

Pennsylvania, United States: A New Jersey flight instructor has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a 2022 small-plane crash in Salisbury Township, Pennsylvania, that killed his student pilot from Easton. According to federal prosecutors, 36-year-old Philip McPherson of Haddon Township, New Jersey, entered a guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania earlier this week. The plea stems from the fatal crash that occurred just one minute after takeoff from Queen City Municipal Airport in Allentown on August 18, 2022, claiming the life of 49-year-old student pilot Keith Kozel. McPherson and Kozel were flying a single-engine Cessna 172 on an instructional flight when the aircraft lost control shortly after departure. The plane crashed into the yard of a home on South Melrose Avenue in Salisbury Township and burst into flames. Kozel died at the scene, while McPherson survived with injuries. Investigators later determined that McPherson was not legally certified to act as a flight instructor or pilot at the time of the crash. Court documents revealed he had surrendered his pilot certificate to the FAA in 2018 after being involved in two prior accidents and subsequently failed a 2021 reexamination for lack of competence. In August 2024, McPherson was indicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter and 40 counts of serving as an airman without a valid certificate, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Prosecutors argued that McPherson acted with “gross negligence” by knowingly providing flight instruction despite his disqualification, thereby endangering his student’s life. On October 14, 2025, McPherson pleaded guilty to manslaughter under a plea agreement that will see the remaining charges dismissed at sentencing, as confirmed by local authorities. He faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. McPherson’s sentencing is scheduled for January 2026 in Philadelphia. The court is expected to consider aggravating factors related to his prior record and repeated violations of federal aviation regulations. Friends and relatives of the late Keith Kozel described him as a dedicated student pilot who was “living his dream of flying.” The Kozel family has expressed relief that justice is being served but said “no sentence can bring Keith back.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assisted in the investigation, which concluded that the accident resulted from pilot error and lack of qualification on the part of McPherson.

Aircraft Crashes

Unlicensed Flight Instructor Pleads Guilty In 2022 Crash That Killed Student Pilot

Aviation Today News Desk / October 17, 2025

Pennsylvania, United States: A New Jersey flight instructor has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a 2022 small-plane crash […]

Warsaw, Poland: A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the upcoming Radom AirSHOW in central Poland, claiming the life of a Polish Army pilot. Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed the incident and described it as a “great loss for the Air Force.” Footage of the crash, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the fighter jet performing a barrel-roll aerobatic maneuver before suddenly plummeting to the ground. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded into a massive fireball and continued to slide across the runway for several meters, engulfed in flames. The aircraft involved belonged to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, according to the General Command of the Armed Forces, no bystanders were injured during the incident. The accident occurred around 17:30 GMT, prompting immediate emergency response at the site. In light of the tragedy, the organizers have officially cancelled the Radom Airshow 2025, which was scheduled to take place over the upcoming weekend. Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz took to X (formerly Twitter) from the scene of the crash to pay tribute to the fallen pilot. “In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot killed an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences,” he wrote. The Deputy Prime Minister further emphasized the magnitude of the loss, stating, “This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army,” highlighting the impact of the incident on Poland’s military aviation community. Investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to be launched immediately, with authorities seeking to determine the exact circumstances that led to the catastrophic accident.

Polish Air Force Pilot Dies in F-16 Crash During Rehearsal Ahead of a Radom Airshow

Aviation Today News Desk / August 29, 2025

Warsaw, Poland: A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal

London, United Kingdom: A twin-engine turboprop aircraft operated by Zeusch Aviation crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport on Saturday, July 13, prompting the temporary closure of the airport and an ongoing investigation by UK aviation authorities. Aircraft and Flight Information The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, registered to Netherlands-based Zeusch Aviation. According to flight data and initial confirmations from the operator, the aircraft was conducting a medical transport mission at the time of the crash. The flight was reportedly en route to the Netherlands, having earlier stopped in Greece and Croatia. It was designated as flight SUZ1. The incident occurred moments after the aircraft departed from Runway 05 at Southend Airport in Essex. Witnesses and preliminary flight path data indicate the aircraft became airborne before sharply banking left, inverting, and descending rapidly to the ground, resulting in a fireball and thick black smoke visible from several kilometers away. Emergency Response Emergency services responded within minutes. Essex Police confirmed that fire and rescue personnel, ambulances, and airport fire crews were immediately deployed to the crash site, located near the end of the airport's main runway. A cordon was established around the wreckage, and the public was advised to avoid the area. Authorities have not confirmed the number of individuals onboard at the time of the crash or released any information on casualties, though recovery operations have been ongoing since Saturday afternoon. Airport Closure London Southend Airport suspended all operations in the aftermath of the crash. As of Monday, July 14, the airport remains closed while the investigation continues. Flight departures and arrivals have been cancelled or diverted, and passengers have been advised to check with airlines for alternative arrangements. Investigation The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an official investigation into the crash. Inspectors and recovery teams have been deployed to the scene to secure flight data recorders and other evidence critical to understanding the cause of the incident. The AAIB has not yet released any preliminary findings or official statements on possible mechanical failure or pilot action. Zeusch Aviation has issued a brief statement acknowledging the accident and confirming that the aircraft was operating under its command. The company expressed cooperation with the AAIB and local authorities and stated that more information would be shared as it becomes available. Eyewitness Reports Several individuals near the airport, including those on nearby roads and golf courses, reported seeing the aircraft experience difficulties moments after takeoff. Some described the aircraft waving or banking before entering what appeared to be an uncontrolled descent. Others reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a plume of smoke rising above the crash site. Local authorities have requested that individuals who witnessed the incident or recorded video footage provide their material directly to investigators rather than share it publicly. As of this report, no formal casualty figures or identities have been released. The AAIB is expected to issue an initial update in the coming days once primary data, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, is recovered and analyzed. Operations at Southend Airport will remain suspended pending clearance from investigators and relevant safety authorities. Authorities have asked the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigative process to proceed. Further details will be shared following the release of the AAIB’s preliminary report.

Aircraft Crashes

Small Aircraft Crashes Seconds After Takeoff from Southend Airport, UK AAIB Probes

Aviation Today News Desk / July 14, 2025

London, United Kingdom: A twin-engine turboprop aircraft operated by Zeusch Aviation crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport on

Wald im Pinzgau, Austria: A German-registered light aircraft crashed in the Austrian Alps on Saturday afternoon, killing all four occupants onboard. The crash occurred near the Trattenbach glacier in the municipality of Wald im Pinzgau, Salzburg state. Authorities have launched a joint investigation into the incident. Flight Details and Crash Site The aircraft, a single-engine propeller plane, departed from Oberschleißheim airfield near Munich, Germany. It was conducting a sightseeing flight over the Alps when it disappeared from radar around 12:45 PM local time. Emergency services located the wreckage at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters in a remote, mountainous area. The aircraft had impacted steep terrain and caught fire on impact. Rescue units confirmed that all four occupants were deceased at the scene. Victim Identification Austrian and German authorities have identified the victims as: A 70-year-old man from the Ebersberg district, Bavaria His 33-year-old son from Regensburg The son’s 33-year-old girlfriend The 59-year-old pilot from Markt Schwaben All victims were German nationals. The families have been notified. Response and Recovery Operations Over 70 personnel from fire and rescue services participated in the recovery effort, which was complicated by the inaccessible terrain and high elevation. The aircraft’s ballistic recovery system had not deployed during the crash and had to be safely disarmed before wreckage recovery could begin. The bodies were recovered and transported to Salzburg for forensic examination. The public prosecutor’s office has ordered autopsies as part of standard procedure. Investigation The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Austrian air accident investigators, in coordination with German authorities, are examining possible technical faults, pilot error, and weather conditions. No adverse weather was reported at the time of the flight. The aircraft did not carry a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, as these are not mandatory for this category of aircraft. Investigators are analyzing radar data, flight planning records, and available GPS traces. Wreckage analysis is being conducted on-site and will continue at a secured facility. No preliminary findings have been released. The Austrian Safety Investigation Authority (SIA) is leading the technical investigation, while the Salzburg prosecutor’s office oversees the legal process. Authorities have confirmed that the airspace around the crash site remains restricted pending completion of fieldwork.

Aircraft Crashes

German Sightseeing Flight Crashes in Austrian Alps, All Four German Nationals Killed

Aviation Today News Desk / July 7, 2025

Wald im Pinzgau, Austria: A German-registered light aircraft crashed in the Austrian Alps on Saturday afternoon, killing all four occupants

A World War II-era TBM Avenger crashed while attempting to land at Terre Haute Regional Airport on May 15, 2025. The vintage aircraft was part of a three-plane formation flying to the TBM Reunion, a commemorative aviation event in Peru, Indiana. The pilot was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis, while the passenger sustained minor injuries. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash. The incident has raised concerns within the aviation community about the operation and maintenance of historic warbirds.

Aircraft Crashes, United States

Historic WWII-Era TBM Avenger Crash in Indiana Sparks FAA Probes, Pilot Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / May 16, 2025

Picture Credits: By Chris Essex Indiana, UNITED STATES: A vintage World War II-era TBM Avenger aircraft crashed Thursday afternoon at

A light aircraft went down near Cottonwood, California, killing one and seriously injuring another. FAA and NTSB have launched a full investigation.

Aircraft Crashes, Investigation, United States

Fatal California Plane Crash Leaves One dead, One Hospitalized in Serious Condition

Aviation Today News Desk / April 30, 2025

Picture Credits: krcrtv.com California, UNITED STATES: A small aircraft crashed in a rural area of Cottonwood, California, on Tuesday afternoon,

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