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YouTuber Crashes Plane for Views
‘YouTuber crashes plane for views’ is what has dominated the social media this week in parts of the world. What would you do for fame and fortune? Some people are willing to go to extreme lengths to get attention online, even risking their lives and breaking the law. One such person is Trevor Jacob, a 29-year-old YouTuber who intentionally crashed his airplane while pretending it was an unavoidable accident. He filmed the whole ordeal and posted it on his channel, where it has over 2.9 million views. But his stunt backfired when he was caught by federal authorities and charged with obstruction of justice. He now faces up to 20 years in prison for his reckless and illegal behavior.
The Crash
On November 24, 2021, Jacob took off from Lompoc City Airport in California and claimed he was flying to Mammoth Lakes. He had cameras mounted on his plane from several angles and a parachute on his back. He also had a selfie stick to capture his reactions. About 35 minutes after takeoff, he ejected from the plane above the Los Padres National Forest, swearing repeatedly and acting as if his engine had gone out and he had no choice but to abandon the aircraft. He parachuted safely to the ground and hiked to the plane wreck, where he retrieved the footage from the cameras. He then edited the video and uploaded it on YouTube on December 1, 2021, with the title “I crashed my plane into a mountain”.
The video shows Jacob’s dramatic escape from the plane, his hike through the forest, his thirst for water, and his rescue by nearby farmers. He portrays himself as a lucky survivor who is grateful to be alive. He also thanks his sponsor, a clothing brand called Young & Reckless, for supporting him. The video has received mixed reactions from viewers, some of whom praised his courage and skill, while others questioned his motives and authenticity.
The Investigation
Jacob reported the crash to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on November 26, 2021, and they launched an investigation. However, he lied to them about the location of the crash site and concealed evidence that he had planned the crash beforehand. He also returned to the site by helicopter and removed and destroyed the wreckage, which he was supposed to preserve for inspection.
The NTSB soon discovered that Jacob had intentionally crashed his plane for views and that he had violated several federal aviation regulations. They also found out that he had a sponsorship deal with Young & Reckless, who paid him $20,000 for the video. They revoked his pilot’s license and referred the case to the FBI. This meant the YouTuber crashes plane for views was in hot waters.
The Plea
On May 11, 2023, Jacob agreed to plead guilty to one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California. He admitted that he filmed the video as part of a product sponsorship deal and that he tried to cover up his crime by tampering with evidence. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Jacob’s plea agreement is subject to approval by a judge. He is expected to make his initial court appearance in the coming weeks.
The Lesson
Jacob’s case is a cautionary tale of how far some people are willing to go for online fame and money. His actions endangered not only himself but also others who could have been harmed by his falling plane or by the fire that it caused in the forest. His actions also wasted valuable resources of law enforcement and emergency services who had to respond to his fake distress call.
Jacob’s case also shows how social media platforms can incentivize risky and illegal behavior by rewarding views and likes with revenue and exposure. While most content creators are responsible and ethical, some may be tempted to cross the line for more attention and profit.
As consumers of online content, we should be aware of these potential pitfalls and be critical of what we see and hear online. We should not blindly trust or support content that may be harmful or deceptive. We should also report any suspicious or illegal activity that we encounter online to the appropriate authorities. YouTuber crashes plane for views wasn’t an idea worth appreciating, after all.
