Family of teen killed in plane crash files wrongful death lawsuit against his former flight school

OHIO CO., Ky. (WFIE/Gray News) - The family of a teenager who died in a plane crash is suing his former flight school.

WFIE reported in September of 2023, pilot Timothy A. McKellar Jr., 22, and flight student Connor W. Quisenberry, 18, were killed when their plane went down in a rural area of Ohio County.

Their bodies were found after a long search.

According to the lawsuit, the pair were associated with Eagle Flight Academy out of Owensboro.

The lawsuit claims that since McKellar was the flight instructor, he was in charge of the flight and safety of Quisenberry.

The lawsuit also claims during the flight, McKellar was taking videos and posting them to social media. Screenshots of the posts were included in the lawsuit.

The videos showed McKellar making negative remarks about Quisenberry, including comparing him to Forest Gump. McKellar also posted a screenshot of radar with severe storms.

The lawsuit goes on to detail McKellar’s communications with air route control centers in which he was told how to stay ahead of the storms.

The plane reportedly flew in circles, in turbulence, for three to four minutes before the crash.

The lawsuit claims negligence by McKellar and Eagle Flight Academy and is seeking compensation for Quisenberry’s wrongful death.

The lawsuit also names ATP Flight Academy because where McKellar received his flight training. The lawsuit claims ATP knew McKellar was not a safe pilot and didn’t do anything about it.

WFIE is working to reach out to people named in the lawsuit. Court records show a hearing is set for Oct. 30.

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