Key facts
- YouTuber Trevor Jacob was sentenced to six months in federal prison.
- Jacob pleaded guilty to destroying aircraft wreckage to obstruct a federal investigation.
- He intentionally crashed his plane in November 2021 to create content for a sponsorship deal.
- Jacob lied to investigators and the FAA about the crash and the wreckage's location.
- The FAA revoked Jacob's pilot license in April 2022.
A YouTuber and former Olympic athlete, Trevor Jacob, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for intentionally crashing his plane to gain social media views and secure a sponsorship deal. Jacob, 30, of Lompoc, California, pleaded guilty to one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.
Prosecutors stated that in November 2021, Jacob posted a video titled “I Crashed My Airplane” which garnered 2.9 million views before being made private. The video showed him ejecting from his Taylorcraft BL-65. He had equipped the aircraft with multiple cameras to capture the event. Jacob initially agreed to provide crash details to investigators but later lied about not knowing the wreckage's location. He subsequently moved the wreckage via helicopter, cut it up, and disposed of the remains.
Jacob also submitted a false incident report, claiming he ejected due to engine failure. He made similar false statements to a Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector. The FAA revoked Jacob's pilot license in April 2022. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominique Caamano noted that while Jacob's actions were extreme, the practice of performing stunts for content is not unique, emphasizing that illegal acts will have consequences.