A Camden County man has been indicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter and 40 counts of serving as an airman without being certified, according to United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero

According to the indictment, Philip Everton McPherson II, 36, of Haddon Township was serving as the pilot-in-command of a small plane when it took off from Queen City Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania. on Sept. 28, 2022 with a student on board. Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing the student.

Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation, McPherson was charged with 40 counts of illegally serving as the pilot-in-command of an aircraft carrying passengers, without having a valid FAA pilot's certificate. Those flights took place between Oct. 12, 2021, and Sept. 20, 2022.

The indictment also alleges McPherson knew he was not competent to safely operate an aircraft as a pilot-in-command. On Sept. 29, 2021, he failed a reexamination for his pilot's certificate and on Oct. 7, 2021, he voluntarily surrendered his pilot's certificate, the U.S. Attorney's Office says. Authorities also say he allowed his Temporary Airman Certificate to expire on Nov. 8, 2021.

If convicted, McPherson could be given a maximum sentence of 128 years in prison as well as three years' supervised release. He could also face a $10.25 million fine and a $4,100 special assessment, officials say.