American blogger Trevor Jacob admitted to deliberately crashing his plane for a YouTube video, and now faces jail time and a fine for trying to cover up evidence and hinder an investigation into the accident. It has been reported ArsTechnica.
In his reconciliation with the investigation, pilot Jacob admitted to “deliberately destroying” the plane’s wreckage and has repeatedly lied to authorities about the accident in an attempt to hinder the investigation. He also said he plans to “jump out of his plane mid-flight and film himself parachuting to the ground and as the plane descends and falls.”
As such, the blogger faces up to 20 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000. However, the Los Angeles District Court may impose a lighter sentence for a deal with the investigation and pleading guilty.
According to the US Department of Justice, Jacob will appear in court in the coming weeks. Despite the trial, former Olympic snowboarder Jacob kept the video on YouTube. The video currently has 3.3 million views.
About the inquiry recognized in April 2022. Then the US Federal Aviation Administration said that Trevor Jacob deliberately shot down his plane. The agency demanded that the American surrender his private pilot certificate immediately.