Youtubers risk 20 years in prison for fake stunt

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“I just crashed my plane!” – that’s what Trevor Jacob (29) called a YouTube video in 2021, which shows how his plane, equipped with cameras, crashes into a forest in Southern California.

Then it came out: that was all done! Jacob had a deal with a sponsor to get more viewers for his spectacular video. Authorities announced on Thursday that he could face up to 20 years in prison. ER pleaded guilty to obstructing a US investigation.

He pretended there was engine damage

On the air, Jacob had pretended to have an engine failure. The video shows him “coming to safety” with the selfie stick in his hand and the parachute on his back, the plane then tumbles uncontrollably to the ground and crashes into a forest.

Jacob then filmed himself on his way to the wreckage, where he feigns dismay that the water he had packed is gone.

He lied to investigators

In the weeks following the incident, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation into the crash. The Youtuber told authorities at the time that he did not know where the plane had crashed.

But now it is clear: together with a friend, he took the wreckage out of the forest by helicopter, disassembled the plane into small parts and threw them in the garbage.

The FAA revoked Jacob’s pilot’s license in April 2022. Jacobs has now admitted that he lied to investigators about the cause of the crash

The amount of his fine will be decided later. (new)

Source: Blick