What Really Happened on John Denver’s Fatal Flight

Did you know that John Denver, a cherished icon in folk and country music, was also an avid pilot? And did you know that his untimely demise in a plane crash in 1997 was part of a pattern of such tragedies among celebrities? This video takes a deep dive into the life and legacy of John Denver, exploring his journey from a music legend to a passionate aviator.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:23 - John Denver's Career and Personal Life
02:27 - The Fateful Final Flight
05:01 - More Investigation Details Revealed
06:12 - John Denver's Lasting Legacy
07:59 - Outro

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John Denver's music career was marked by his signature idyllic lyrics and acoustic sound, which resonated with millions. His songs like "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Rocky Mountain High" not only topped charts but also became anthems of a generation. But beyond music, Denver was a man of many passions, including environmental advocacy and flying. His dedication to these causes was as profound as his love for music.

The video delves into the fateful day of October 12, 1997, when Denver took his final flight in his experimental aircraft. We explore the intricate details of his final flight, from the pre-flight preparations to the tragic crash that shocked the world. The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board sheds light on the probable causes of the crash, including issues with the aircraft's design and Denver's handling of the plane.

However, John Denver's story is not unique in the annals of celebrity aviation accidents. The video also touches upon other famous personalities who met similar fates. From rock and roll stars like Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson to the heart-wrenching loss of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, these incidents highlight the risks of private aviation and the profound impact of such losses on fans and the broader public.

As we explore Denver's lasting legacy, we see how his music and his dedication to various causes continue to inspire and resonate with people around the globe. The video paints a portrait of Denver not just as a musician, but as a humanitarian, an environmentalist, and an individual who pursued his passions with fervor.

Join us in this retrospective look at John Denver's life, his enduring influence, and the circumstances surrounding his final flight. Discover how Denver's spirit continues to live on through his songs and the memories he left behind.

What Really Happened on John Denver’s Fatal Flight

[rndsb]

As I recall, the FAA had asked Denver to VOLUNTARILY surrender his MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (NOT his pilot's licence) as a result of a prior DUI. Denver (completely within his rights) refused to surrender his "medical" until a hearing was held where Denver would have legal representation (the FAA has a long history of bullying people to surrender "medicals" and licenses WITHOUT a fair hearing). As such (and to the best of my knowledge), Denver's pilot's license was completely valid, wherein he had a current and valid Medical Certificate. Also, the airplane Denver was flying was the ONLY one (out of 1, 400 of that type built) that had the fuel selector valve behind the pilot's seat. EVERY other Long EZ's fuel selector valve was between the pilot's legs where it was extremely accessible and easy to use. But, because the fuel lines ran along the bottom of the fuselage, and the aircraft's previous owner was paranoid about the possibility of fire occurring if the plane ever had to land "gear up, " he (the previous owner) had gotten special permission to relocate the fuel lines and the selector valve behind the seat, where it was very difficult to access and operate (all this, mind you, even though the manufacturer of the aircraft had, at their own expense, offered to pay for all 1, 400 aircraft owners to have a "stringer" [protective barrier] installed on the bottom the fuselage, in case someone ever did have to land "gear up"). But, because the valve was located behind the seat, Denver had to set the heel of his boot against the "stop" on the foot plate (very common item on many aircraft) and push against it in order to access the fuel valve. As such, if his heel slipped off that little ridge ("stop") on the foot plate, it would have slammed into the rudder pedal and most VERY likely caused the aircraft to go into and immediate inverted flat spin or violent nose dive (this aircraft is exceptionally responsive to control inputs). I've read the NTSB report several times and have come to the simple conclusion that if the fuel selector valve had been left where it should have been (like the other 1, 399 of this type plane built), Denver would most very likely still be providing the world with is great music, today.

[tazmanbkr]

I was and continue to be a HUGE John Denver music fan! My all-time favorite song of his was and is "Back Home Again". But listening to "Rocky Mountain High" in the late 1970's drew me to visit and fall in love with the state of Colorado. I moved to Colorado in January, 1982 and have never regretted it. I still love the state 41+ years later and all it has to offer and I have to give John credit for opening my eyes to all its beauty and wonder. I was on a trip to Disney World the day of his fatal plane crash and was devasted when I heard it on the news as we were getting ready to go to one of the parks. RIP John and know you were loved by millions!

[anthonyfreeman]

Rocky Mountain High… I like his music. It’s difficult to choose just one favorite song, but I like the way this one starts. “He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he’d never been before”. It paints a picture.

[amyhill]

I remember exactly where I was when the devastating news came across the radio. An incredible man. Not only his music but the PMRC hearings. Forever missed.

[thisisme]

John Denver's legacy will live on and on...he reached so many different age groups with his music. Favorite song...."Country Roads."
🙏 RIP JOHN DENVER 🙏

[ahashdahnagila]

I simply LOVE his song "Country Roads".
(I can sing it and play it on my trumpet, quite well. It seems, to me, to have a "folk music" quality, about it, that makes for an easy rendition.)

>>> I'm halfway through my 8th decade of life: I also enjoyed the older "crooner" music, as well as those tunes that Louie Armstrong loved playing (and singing).

R.I.P., John Denver

[willyboy]

Jim Reeves died in a plane crash...and also John F. Kennedy Jr. (including his wife and sister-in-law )💔 ...I love John Denver's, "Country Roads", but always got a kick out of "Grandma's Feather Bed!" 😊 Like you said in this video, John left an enduring legacy, may he rest in peace❤

[roymah]

Great American human being.
Fantastic singer songwriter humaniterian.
Rocky mountain high Colorado, such a great song from him that is.
Thanks for posting another great video Mr Blane as always.
RIP John Denver.

[sharoncrist]

I am a fan of John Denver I saw him 2 timed in concert. I listen to his music today. One of my favorite song is Follow Me.

[Codehead]

The problem wasn’t that he was distracted by the fuel lever. It was that he had to reach left over his shoulder to reach it and that caused him to inadvertently push on the right rudder pedal which caused his plane to roll onto its back and nose dive into the ocean.

[sheri]

Many people said he was very depressed at the time.. he knew he was not as familiar with an experimental plane.. some have suggested it was his way to make an exit, his way..

[AlmostReady]

I was on a gig in perhaps Palm Springs having drinks at the bar by day and saw John Denver hanging back away from the bar as he had stopped drinking.
A musician I was with spoke to him telling him he had played his show many years back in the New Orleans area.
He was very nice, gracious as he pretended to remember.
Kind of shy, kind of awkward.
Struck me like he didn't know what to do with himself.
Months later tragically he was gone. He seemed like a really cool guy and immensely talented. Thank you John

[MeLancer]

I was a big fan of John Denver and had two friends who grew up with him.
His passing came as a shock. He was such an amazing talent.

[maureencora]

Like Greatest Hits CD & the Movie with George Burns "Oh God". May He R.I.P.

[mqxpynf]

I loved singing " Looking for Space" ever since CBS used it for the seventh season finale of Magnum P.I.

[dorawoody]

Loved John Denver he was a Great Singer and I love Country Roads I live in West Virginia !

[Jeff-od]

It was his time, but we weren't ready for his passing! Rest in peace, John, you are sorely missed! 😢

[JamesSheppard-wkqb]

Their will NEVER be another Elvis and their will NEVER be another John Denver! Their music will N E V E R die. Thank you Father for their immortal music. We'll have it through them FOREVER!!

[beckiehubley]

Country Roads is probably my favourite.

[LindaCabrnoch]

John Denver was a very talented singer