Youtuber – Source: Toni M / Getty
Trevor Jacob is facing 20 years in jail after he intentionally crashed his plane for Youtube views and was caught lying about the ordeal.
Unfortunately, the world we live in today is one where people will do anything for attention as clout is more valuable to some than money. Youtube has always been a place for people to do unthinkable things for attention and according to Yahoo!’s “In The Know”, a Youtuber who flies planes risked it all to grow his viewership.
In November of 2021, 29-year-old Trevor Jacob uploaded a video titled “I Crashed My Airplane” and the video amassed over 4 million views. It detailed Jacob dealing with alleged engine failure before jumping out of the plane. After parachuting to safety, Jacob broke down the aftermath claiming he hiked for hours to find help. To spice things up and gain more sympathy, he claimed he was flying with his friend’s ashes who died in a wingsuit accident in 2015. Unfortunately for him, fellow pilots immediately raised questions and his story fell apart.
“In The Know” adds that people immediately questioned why he did not follow protocols and contact air traffic control. Not only that, but numerous people wondered why he would wear a parachute in such a small cockpit.
Weeks after the upload, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it was investigating the shady crash and now Jacob has issued a full confession.
Jacob admitted to the Department of Justice he crashed the aircraft on purpose in hopes of gaining views and a sponsorship deal. He pleaded guilty to one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.
The DOJ added that Jacob’s entire video centered around a sponsorship he secured from a company that sold various products, including a wallet. Pursuant to the sponsorship deal, Jacob agreed to promote the company’s wallet in a YouTube video that he would post and this was the end result.
He’s now facing 20 years in prison.
