Trevor Jacob Staged 2021 Plane Crash for 5 Million YouTube Views

Q: How many years in federal prison could a YouTuber face for destroying plane wreckage to hide a staged crash?

Up to 20 years in federal prison. In Trevor Jacob’s case, prosecutors said he not only staged the 2021 plane crash for YouTube views but later removed and destroyed wreckage to interfere with the federal investigation. That conduct fits federal evidence-tampering law, which criminalizes knowingly destroying or concealing a tangible object to obstruct a matter within federal jurisdiction. The commonly cited federal statute for that offense, 18 U.S.C. § 1519, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, along with possible fines. Some broader obstruction offenses can carry lower maximums, such as 10 years or 5 years depending on the charge, but for destroying wreckage as alleged in this case, the exposure often referenced is up to 20 years. Jacob ultimately pleaded guilty in the real case to one count related to destruction and concealment of the wreckage to obstruct a federal investigation. So the direct answer to the question is that a YouTuber who destroys plane wreckage to hide a staged crash could face as much as 20 years in federal prison.

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 12

Federal investigators found Trevor Jacob deliberately crashed a 1940 Taylorcraft in Southern California after filming himself claiming engine trouble and parachuting to safety.
A 13-minute YouTube video titled “I Crashed My Plane” drew about 5 million views, with cameras on Jacob, his selfie stick and the aircraft capturing the stunt.
The case is highlighted in a broader report on influencers escalating shock content, showing how platform incentives can push creators toward dangerous acts for attention.