Pilot Pleads No Contest in Crash That Killed 2
An Encino pilot pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter charges in the deaths of two passengers who were killed when the pilot dipped the wing of his plane into the ocean to create a water spray, authorities said Friday.
Roger Amiran, 27, faces up to a year in Los Angeles County Jail under a plea agreement, authorities said.
“His incredibly stupid disregard for human life caused the death of two human beings,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Lonnie A. Felker said.
Matthew Fry, 23, of Agoura and John Harris, 23, of Northridge drowned in the April, 9, 1987, accident off Malibu. Amiran and passenger Laurie Ann Thuer, 22, of Simi Valley escaped from the Piper Cherokee Warrior and were picked up by rescuers.
Thuer told prosecutors that Amiran touched the water with the wing tip to create a spray, but the wing was torn off by the impact, Felker said. Amiran entered his plea Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Amiran, who was originally charged with second-degree murder, is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 9.
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