YouTuber is Facing 20 Years in Prison After Deliberately Crashing a Plane For Views, Who is Trevor Jacob?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Sep 02, 2023
YouTuber is Facing 20 Years in Prison After Deliberately Crashing a Plane For Views
A YouTuber named Trevor Jacob is facing a potential 20-year prison sentence for deliberately crashing an airplane as a stunt to gain views on his YouTube channel. In December 2021, Jacob posted a video of the plane crash on his channel, initially portraying it as an accidental incident, which has since garnered over 2.9 million views.
Jacob's plea agreement reveals that he filmed the crash video as part of a product sponsorship deal, acknowledging that he had intentionally orchestrated the event. This admission places him at risk of a lengthy prison term.
The 29-year-old, who is both a pilot and a skydiver, embarked on a solo flight from a Santa Barbara, California airport in November 2021. He had cameras mounted on his plane, a parachute, and a selfie stick. His intent was never to reach his destination; instead, he planned to eject from the aircraft mid-flight, capturing his parachute descent and the subsequent crash.
The plane crashed into the Los Padres National Forest approximately 35 minutes after takeoff. Jacob then hiked to the crash site to retrieve the footage. Some YouTube viewers questioned the authenticity of the crash, noting that he was already wearing a parachute and made no attempt to safely land the plane.
Jacob reported the crash to the National Transportation Safety Board but later falsely claimed he didn't know the crash site's location. He returned to the site via helicopter, removed and destroyed the wreckage, concealing crucial evidence in the process.
Jacob's impending court appearance and the revocation of his pilot's license underscore the serious legal consequences of his actions. His case serves as a stark example of the potential consequences of reckless and dangerous behavior for the sake of online attention and views.
Who is Trevor Jacob?
Trevor Daniel Jacob, born on August 6, 1993, is a multifaceted American talent known for his involvement in snowboard cross competitions, his participation in extreme sports, his career as a YouTuber, and his previous role as an aircraft pilot. He gained recognition by representing the United States in snowboarding during the 2014 Winter Olympics.
However, in December 2021, Jacob stirred controversy with a YouTube video where he parachuted out of a light aircraft, initially claiming engine failure as the reason for his dramatic exit. The video garnered significant attention, but it soon led to serious repercussions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took action by revoking Jacob's pilot certificate. They determined that he had intentionally crashed the plane, orchestrating the incident solely for the purpose of creating a sensational video.
As the legal consequences of his actions mounted, Jacob found himself facing a federal felony charge in May 2023. He pleaded guilty to the charge, which involved the unlawful destruction of the aircraft wreckage without proper authorization or supervision. Additionally, he was found to have misled federal investigators about the disposition of the wreckage, compounding the seriousness of his legal predicament.
Trevor Jacob's journey, from Olympic snowboarding to a YouTube scandal and a subsequent guilty plea for federal charges, showcases the far-reaching consequences of recklessness and dishonesty in pursuit of online fame. His case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, especially in situations involving aviation and public safety.
Full Name
Trevor Daniel Jacob
Born
August 6, 1993
Age
30 years old
Birthplace
West Hills, California, U.S.
Country
United States
Sport
Snowboarding
Trevor Jacob Athletic Career
Hailing from Mammoth Lakes, California, Trevor Jacob is a versatile athlete whose career spans various extreme sports and competitions. He gained notable recognition for his participation in the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.
At the Olympics, Jacob competed in the men's snowboard cross event, advancing to the semifinals but narrowly missing the opportunity to qualify for the final round. His bid for the gold came to an end when he was defeated by a mere margin by fellow American athlete Alex Deibold, who eventually secured the bronze medal. In the end, Jacob secured a respectable 9th place finish in the competition.
Jacob's enthusiasm for extreme sports extended beyond the Olympics. He also ventured into snowboard cross competitions at the Winter X Games, showcasing his skills in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Among these appearances, his best performance was a 5th place finish in the 2016 competition, further solidifying his standing as a competitive athlete in the snowboarding world.
Trevor Jacob's sporting prowess extended beyond snowboarding. He embraced a diverse range of extreme sports, including skateboarding, surfing, BMX riding, motocross, and even mixed martial arts. He also became a part of Travis Pastrana's renowned Nitro Circus collective, demonstrating his fearless and adventurous spirit across multiple disciplines.
Jacob's journey exemplifies a dedicated and versatile athlete who has left his mark in various extreme sports, from Olympic-level snowboarding to fearless participation in a wide array of adrenaline-pumping activities, making him a notable figure in the world of extreme sports and adventure.
Trevor Jacob Age
As of 2023, he is 30 Years old. In December 2021, Jacob uploaded a YouTube video where he can be seen parachuting out of a light aircraft while alleging engine failure as the cause. The Federal Aviation Administration took action by revoking his pilot certificate, concluding that he deliberately orchestrated the plane crash solely for the purpose of creating a video.
Fast forward to May 2023, and Jacob found himself in legal trouble. He admitted guilt to a federal felony charge, which involved unauthorized and unsupervised destruction of the aircraft wreckage. Furthermore, he was found to have deceived federal investigators regarding the whereabouts and handling of the wreckage.
Trevor Jacob YouTube
Trevor Jacob, a YouTuber known for his content in skydiving, aviation, and snowboarding, became embroiled in a highly controversial incident in November 2021. He owned a Taylorcraft BL-65, a vintage single-engine light aircraft, and took off alone from Lompoc Airport, claiming he was on a flight to scatter the ashes of his friend Johnny Strange at Mammoth Mountain.
Notably, Jacob wore a bulky skydiving parachute during this flight, an unusual choice for a small aircraft with standard seats. The plane was equipped with digital cameras to capture the journey, and Jacob also carried a selfie stick.
During the flight, the engine suddenly stopped, prompting Jacob to parachute to the ground. He sustained minor injuries upon landing, while the unoccupied aircraft crashed into uninhabited scrubland in the Los Padres National Forest near New Cuyama, California, suffering significant damage. Jacob walked to the crash site and later reported engine failure as the cause.
A month later, Jacob released a edited video on his YouTube channel that depicted many of these events but raised questions within the aviation community. The video did not show key elements like aircraft controls or engine instruments when the engine malfunctioned.
Additionally, Jacob did not appear to follow basic aviation emergency procedures, such as attempting to restart the engine or contacting air traffic control, despite potential landing sites being visible. These anomalies led to suspicions that the crash may have been a deliberate stunt for publicity.
Jacob's reporting of the crash led to investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Despite initially agreeing to cooperate with investigators, Jacob claimed to have forgotten the exact crash location. Moreover, the U.S. Forest Service revealed that the aircraft wreckage had mysteriously disappeared from the crash site before the YouTube video was released.
In April 2022, the FAA determined that Jacob had indeed abandoned the aircraft intentionally to film the crash. They cited various factors, including his opening of the cabin door before the alleged engine failure, the lack of emergency procedures, and his personal disposal of the wreckage. As a result, the FAA revoked his pilot certificate and barred him from applying for a new one for a year.
In May 2023, Jacob pleaded guilty to a federal felony charge of "destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation." He confessed to lying to federal investigators and revealed that he and an unnamed friend had used a helicopter to move the wreck, dismantle it, and dispose of the pieces at various locations without authorization.
Jacob's motive was to earn commissions from a wallet seller who had sponsored his video. The plea agreement stipulated that Jacob would serve a maximum of 24 months in prison and face significant fines. Additionally, he would be barred from applying for a pilot's license during his probation or parole. This case underscores the serious consequences of reckless actions and dishonesty, especially in the realm of aviation and safety.
Youtuber is Facing 20 Years in Prison After Deliberately Crashing a Plane For Views:FAQs
Trevor Jacob is an American YouTuber and former athlete known for his involvement in extreme sports, including snowboarding. He gained notoriety due to a controversial incident involving a plane crash he documented on YouTube.
In November 2021, Jacob took off in a vintage light aircraft, claiming he was flying to scatter a friend's ashes. During the flight, he parachuted out of the plane after an alleged engine failure. The plane crashed into a forested area.
The crash raised suspicions within the aviation community as Jacob appeared to omit standard aviation emergency procedures, and his choice to wear a skydiving parachute was unusual. Many believed it was a staged publicity stunt.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched investigations. In April 2022, the FAA determined that Jacob had intentionally abandoned the plane to film the crash, leading to the revocation of his pilot certificate.
Jacob's motive was to earn commissions from a wallet seller who sponsored his video. He essentially staged the crash for financial gain and online attention.
As part of the plea agreement, Jacob will serve a maximum of 24 months in prison and may be fined substantially. His actions have also permanently impacted his ability to obtain a pilot's license.