Plane Crash YouTuber Enjoys Six-Month Sentence
California's District Attorney's Office announced in a press release that Trevor Daniel Jacob admitted to intentionally crashing his camera-equipped plane in November 2021, a crash that could be captured on video.
Jacob posted a video titled "I Crash My Plane" on YouTube seeking sponsorship from a digital wallet company. Skepticism arose from some viewers, noting Jacob's use of a parachute, lack of attempting a safe landing, possession of a camera, and a selfie stick upon exiting the plane.
The U.S. Attorney for California's Central District claimed Jacob deceived investigators, pretending he was unaware of the crash site's location. Additionally, Jacob allegedly lied to FBI aviation safety inspectors after the incident.
After the crash, Jacob was ordered by authorities to secure the site and inform the National Transportation Safety Board. Instead, he located the wreckage using a helicopter from Los Padres National Forest and dismantled the debris on December 10, 2021, intending to hinder the investigation.
YouTube Stunts Invite Controversy
Early this year, Jacob pleaded guilty to vandalism and obstructing the federal investigation. Prosecutors argued in their sentencing memorandum that "Jacob exhibited abysmal judgment in committing this crime." They suggested Jacob attempted the stunt to generate social media attention and financial gains, but it would not be tolerated.
Jacob's lawyers argued for a probation sentence instead of imprisonment and contended in court documents that the snowboarder had lived alone on a dryer during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and had made a series of poor decisions that led to criminal behavior.
In a letter to the judge, Jacob expressed regret and mentioned the consequences he faced. He acknowledged that although he had meticulously reviewed the plane's route to ensure the crash didn't occur near human habitations or trails, he should not have proceeded further. Furthermore, he mentioned that his pilot's license has now been reinstated by the FAA.
Prosecutors argued that a prison sentence was crucial to discouraging others from attempting such stunts.
Further Reading
Upon scrutiny of the crash incident, viewers voiced skepticism regarding Jacob's stunt, noting he wore a parachute, neglected attempting a safe landing, and carried a camera and selfie stick.
Ignoring orders from authorities to safeguard the crash site and inform the National Transportation Safety Board, Jacob instead piloted a helicopter to the Los Padres National Forest and dismantled and disposed of the debris, hindering the investigation.
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Enrichment Insights:
Although sources do not mention Trevor Daniel Jacob or any individual who crashed a plane and conspired against investigations, the scenario is not unheard of. In November 2020, YouTube personality Casey Neistat was charged with misdemeanor reckless endangerment after allegedly flying a drone over the Statue of Liberty, posing potential hazards to both the monument and nearby boats. While these cases may differ in their details, they share a common theme of individuals intentionally risking the well-being of others for the sake of online views and attention.
