Jessica Dubroff's fateful 1996 mission to set a world record
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- Опубликовано: 18 ноя 2023
- Jeff visits the grave of Jessica Dubroff, the 7-year-old girl who attempted to set the record as the youngest pilot ever to fly coast-coast in 1996. Tragically, the Cessna went down on the second day of the trip as they were taking off in rain and bd weather from the Cheyenne, Wyoming airport, killing all three aboard. They were Jessica, her father Lloyd Dubroff and flight instructor Joe Reid.
#historyhunters #jessicadubroff #planedisasters
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I've always had a problem with this case. No seven year old should be trusted to drive a car, let alone an airplane. It seems to me that her parents pushed her into this media world record.
Like a lot of people who are bad parents. The mom of J a z z J…. is another case. Media hogs and mentally ill.
I agree with you, I have always thought she was pushed into this… such a tragic thing….
Jessica was not the pilot: she was in the left seat, but the pilot was in the right. As a CFI, he was the one responsible for the flights safety. The weather was not VFR, and the pilot, the CFI had to have been the one handling the plane. Jessica would not be able to handle the aircraft under instrument conditions. It is a case of a pilot spatial disorientation, with tragic results
Wasn't Jessica's fault the CFI should have made better decisions. Flying in IMC should only be done by someone who does it regularly IMO it's still an added risk on a trip like theirs didn't have to happen. Wait a few days until the weather clears up then go.
The problem is that you think she was actually flying the plane
Jessica was the unfortunate victim of an overly zealous parent, along with an inexplicably compliant one. Jessica's hesitation before embarking on her final leg of her fateful flight speaks volumes. At times, children are innately aware when danger is at their doorstep.
I try not to judge but the parents were just a bit off. Strange ideologies.
@@jbenziggyyou are very honest and are right on .
Beautifully stated. Jessica's distraction--while being interviewed by the media!--was a blatant red flag.
Of course you know everything about her family just by watching this video.
This is that same girl that fell in the well, remember that? Baby Jessica?
As a retired CFII, I feel that this was a total waste of a little girl's life. So sad.😢
We instructors need to understand that Airmen Certification Standards are mostly fixed numbers that make testing of minimum to fly safely pilot skills fair/standardized. Things like acceleration in low ground effect to take advantage of free extra energy are not standard and not taught. This total energy management, however, along with other non standard techniques makes flying much safer over the many hours flown by no longer testing pilots. Leaving ground effect toward the end of the long runway at cruise airspeed rather than with thousands of feet of low ground effect unused (video of the takeoff) would have given Joe the extra energy to easily make up for the bit of overload. The fudge factor is at least 15%, the amount of extra weight allowed in Alaska. But the energy is not upped unless we learn/teach the level in low ground effect takeoff technique. And it that technique is default (we are not testing just flying), the extra energy will be available when we have made the mistake Jessica was worried about. Her gut feeling was very accurate. Airspeed, not the hundred feet of altitude they had in the video of the takeoff, is life down low where stall is generally fatal. Joe needed the extra airspeed to safely make the tighter turn than the bank limit of ACS calls for. He could have taken off down drainage, also not taught for the test, with the light downwind at the airport and not even needed the extra energy of level in low ground effect. Did he know that even though it was wet and cold, that Lycoming would have appreciated the extra couple of hundred RPM available at lean to max RPM? The judgement calls like wait for better weather are appropriate, but learning to fly rather than just meet the numbers of the test are appropriate as well. That one is on we instructors and the flying school establishment. We can teach a little flying as well as just test taking.
Ikr. Her dad should have waited until she was an adult.
Jeff, an amazing video of a tragedy that didn’t have to happen. When you mentioned the dad was a publicity hound, that summed up the story right away.
Sounds like dad was pushing the while thing.
@@jbenziggyWas she really the "Jessica" that was in the well? 😢 I see a disturbing pattern! Beautiful child with so much potential! We didn't have many toys & often no tv! Didn't kill us, but we made our own toys! Dad made us toys & we had a blast playing after the work was done! And Dad taught us everyone has to work, might as well have a fun attitude while doing it! And there was often much laughter & singing in the mix!❤
I remember this story. Every time Jessica was asked about the record, she would say my dad wants me to do it. It was very sad.
Doesn't this tear your heart out? I know I was getting emotional putting this video together.
It did at the time, and also today.@@jbenziggy
The dad seemed like he could be abusive if she didn't do what she wanted.
Yes, that actually made me 🤢 It was clear she was led into it & not of her own desires or ambition! Extremely sad situation, & the Mom definitely should have stepped up & protected her more!
@@MrChopsticktechI totally agree!😢
Horrible case of child abuse!
That baby should have been home playing with friends. From this report, it sounds like they kept her in isolation.
Absolutely disgusting
No worse than the way most kids in USA are raised today on toxic foods guaranteed to make and keep them sick and electronic screens sure to make them dumb.
This event was as infuriating as much as sad. The local pilots told them to wait for just a bit and the squall line would pass, and along with it the severe down drafts from the micro bursts. The true pilot in command, the instructor, was probably pushed into the departure. Jesssica was the smartest one on board.
It does pay to listen to local pilots. They know how the conditions trend locally. I flew a Cardinal for years, and with coffee in the FBO, chatted with the locals. Found good places to set down for food, fuel, and tips on local issues
It was sad.
On a positive note, when dissected, that ill-fated flight was a well publicized real-life example of many of the dangers and pitfalls of flying light aircraft. Weather, get-there-itis, a heavily loaded airplane with a questionable center of gravity.... This one had a lot of lessons for any pilots who were paying attention.
The number of lives that this tragedy has saved in the past 27 years is unquantifiable. It has to be some, though. Perhaps even my own.
Rest In Peace, Jessica 😢
“I guess the plane was overloaded with too many affects and failed to gain the lift it required…..”, They crashed because they foolishly took off into a thunderstorm.
The tower gave them permission, so they share part of the blame.
@MrChopsticktech
Air traffic control did exactly what they are supposed to do. The pilot requested to take off, and although not a smart decision, it was perfectly legal to do so.
How sad, but even sadder to see the condition of the grave, where are her relatives or even the people of the town letting this grave go to ruin. Heartbreaking to not even be able to read the grave that is only 27 years old. Such a tragic story ❤️
27 years... I didn't even think about it before, but she was very close in age to my own daughter, who I had the privilege of walking down the aisle last year. Just think of all those wonderful moments that this family has missed out on!
Why haven't you gone there to maintain it?
@@virgilhilts3924 beacause I live in the UK, but if I was local I would
@@sharonlegg85
Excuses excuses excuses
@@virgilhilts3924 Why haven't you HILLBILLY
This smacks of child abuse.
Not legally, but a lot of parents live vicariously through their kids.
The grave is supposed to be a portion of a wing with a flap extended. Thanks for covering this, I remember the whole event well. The fact that the instructor failed to pull the chock and then taxied over it shows how rushed their decision making was.
This is why we have rules. I have been flying for forty-four years and this is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of.
Thanks for the comment. I haven't seen one comment yet that supported the parents' decision. Foolish is the word.
@@jbenziggyNegligence could also be argued!
What killed me about it is that the way this particular scenario unfolded seemed so TOTALLY AVOIDABLE and UNNECESSARY with just a bit of COMMON SENSE!!
Our high school choir was touring and arrived in Cheyenne just hours after this happened. We dedicated our concert that night to her. The weather the next day the weather was clear and sunny; if they had only waited.
That one hit close to home. I remember Jessica and that tragedy all too well. I haven't thought about this for many years, so thank you for reminding me. She was such a sweet young girl and I'm sure she would've done great things in life. Rest In Peace Jessica. Great job as always Jeff.
She was a beautiful little child! Her demise was so tragic.
Children just reach the age of reason at age 7. Her father has his own agenda. Horrible father and little Jessica RIP.
The human brain does not mature till 25yo.
@@sethpotter9592 Or some not at all.
@@freespeechisdead202Truth on both accounts!
So sad that these parents pushed this little girl into this horrible stunt. Thanks so much for your video.
They selected a Cessna Cardinal and put cameraman and equipment in the back seat. The CG of the aircraft was aft of the allowable CG limit, so the Cardinal crashed on the street in Wyoming. 🥸
You right! It was a stunt.
This is really sad. She did seem nervous in the interview the way she was looking around and staying happy for the camera. Almost like that's what was expected of her.
I agree. For a kid supposedly being excited to be doing this, she gave monosyllabic answers to the interviewer.
I also think Dad could have maybe bathed her & brushed her hair that morning before he put her in front of the media he was seeking! 😢Neglect!😢
She wasnt nervous, she was shiveriiing because of the cold.
@@MrChopsticktech Its because she was freezing dude.
She had that wild look to her like she was lost. I sense serious abuse.
That quote at the end from the mother about wanting her children to die in a state of joy.... I doubt that's what Jessica was feeling in the moments before the plane hit the ground. This is a very sad story.
I agree with you. It was surely a terror ride to their deaths. I can’t imagine.
If it's any consolation for her, her Dad took her cap and covered her face with it before they hit the ground. Undoubtedly, it still must've been pretty scary knowing you're about to meet your demise.
all on board perished in the crash- how would anyone possibly know that??
@@tommurphy4307 do you mean to say the occupants weren’t terrified as their plane was headed straight for the ground?
@@kevinmalone3210 I didn't know that! Good thing he had those hats made!
I’m pretty sure the child was not in a state of joy when the aircraft stalled. My friend just crashed in his single engine day before yesterday but survived with no broken bones or critical injuries. It was a cable failure and I can tell you, his joy was nowhere to be found between the moment that cable pull brought no response and the moment he hit the pine saplings. To suggest little Miss Dubroff was in a state of joy is delusional.
It was just there to lessen the pain of the tragedy for the Mom.
I was 16 years old at the time of this accident. Going through ground school at Bruce Campbell field madison mississippi. My flight instructor was disgusted by this. It was pretty hurtful, hearing the young her family and friends were killed. But it did wake us all up to the dangers of flying and why should not be taken lightly. Thank you for covering this I have never seen the interview or even the crash sight. It definitely brought back the past.
So sad that the adults in her life were publicity hounds. I wonder what became of the mother.
She was a weirdo like her husband. If she is still alive she certainly does not look after the grave. I hope she did not breed again.
Not keeping her daughter's grave up, that's for certain. I searched online and it looks like she is marketing herself as LISA BLAIR HATHAWAY "Author, Healer, Pro Se" and sells books, and currently lives in Florida.
All I can do is pity that Woman @@MountainCry
Personally, I don't care about her mother as she was partly responsible.
@@wa1ufoI think that’s a bit harsh. 99% of the blame is on the pilot. Pushing it in bad weather with additional air external pressure has been killing pilots since the dawn of aviation. The pilot should have said “nope” and taken the fallout on the chin, or told the dad to go find someone else to risk their lives.
He made a tragic but completely foreseeable and avoidable mistake.
As a pilot and flight instructor, I have visited the crash site/ street where there is a memorial to pay my respects. An accident that never should have happened. Sad.. Sad…
Nope! Totally preventable!
I remember this, and I'm still disgusted with her parents for not putting her safety above their needs for attention. She was the sacrificial lamb.
This was both wonderful and heart wrenching. In the interview, you can see the apprehension in Jessica's face while looking at the rain. Such a tragedy.
Looked like she had a gut feeling about it when she looked off at the plane. The adults decided the stunt show must go on though. RIP Jessica
With all due respect to the doctor, Lloyd Dubroff had the judgment of a lima bean!
How in the world can anyone expect a 7 year old to make an informed decision about a life and death situation like this? The parents…
Jessica was not expected to make those decisions. There was a certified flight instructor on board with FULL ACCESS to all flight controls, and as such he was acting as PILOT IN COMMAND. The pilot in command is responsible for all aspects of the flight. ESPECIALLY SAFETY.
Federal Aviation regulation 91.3 Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.
(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.
They were trying to keep a schedule to complete the flight before Jessica's 8th birthday. This led to the pilot in command making a tragically bad decision to take off into weather that was beyond the planes capabilities. The blame for this tragedy lies squarely on the pilot in command. It would have been far better for the news to be able to report that Jessica was delayed by weather, than to report that Jessica's body was recovered from the wreckage.
@@martinhauk1852 that clears thing up…
@@martinhauk1852The parents were fully to blame. They were the main catalysts behind this tragedy.
@@john-bradyIn addition, that PILOT IN COMMAND overloaded the plane.
@@martinhauk1852 either way. Children don't belong in the cockpit. Period.
Always enjoy your vids...this child was used. "2 hours of sleep last night!" At 7-yrs old. Sad
We drive by the crash site every week. So sad.
The Flight Instructor with Jessica was the Pilot In Command. He made the decisions. He made horribly bad decisions.
She could've been a 35 year old first officer of a Boeing 737 by now. Rest in peace, little Jessica.
she could have been the first female president of our country, as well, but what does that prove? she never had the chance to even become an adult.
@@tommurphy4307 the point was that, had this terrible tragedy not happened, she'd likely developed her flying skills, as she clearly enjoyed it (parent pressure notwithstanding) and with age and experience would most likely be a commercial pilot at this point.
Of course, the tragedy did happen and her life was tragically cut short.
Maybe she wasn't the 1 who wanted her flying! She said it was Dad's idea & he was seeking ant kind of fame & fortune he could get! 😢
@@gemberkoekjeOr a Navy pilot?
I don't believe that. Every time she was ask she said: "My Daddy wants me to do that". If she had survived this challenge, possible that she would have stopped the contact to her father, if she become aware of what she has been used for. Only for publicity.
What on earth was in her parent's head? Sawdust?! Tragic, sad story. Thanks Jeff, for another great and interesting video ❤
This story makes me sad. I can't imagine the correct words to say. Just tears. Thanks Jeff.
No not sawdust, if it were that than nothing would have happened. Unfortunately what was in their heads was greed.
Sounds familiar to the Titanic tragedy....trying to set the record in spite of lots of caution flags ignored.
Totally empty heads!
Dollar Signs.
Thank you, Jeff for sharing this very sad story, and this should have never happened to this poor little 7 year old.
There is a saying in general aviation. “With time to spare, go by air.” Too many pilots have allowed scheduling concerns to overshadow their better judgment and faced a similar fate when flying into or through severe weather. It’s too bad the flight instructor allowed media appointment concerns to make up his mind for him. I remember this trade by well. RIP Jessica.
I recall my first opportunity to go up in a small plane. My first actually. It got postponed because he said he would have flown the trip over the mountains by himself, but not with us kids on board! ❤ Took my breath away as we came over the mountains & the lights of the Puget Sound seemed to shine all the way to the north pole!😂😂😂 Loved it! This was not that for sure!😢
I was just finishing my tour of duty at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey when this happened. I remember hearing about it on AFN. As a pilot, I thought it was an irresponsible stunt from the start. Very sad. Another great job, Jeff. Thank you.
Thank you, Bart!
I thought the same.
So sad loss of a young life, I have a seven year old granddaughter so full of life. I couldn't imagine why they cleared the plain to fly in extreme weather. To see the grave site in weeds is heart breaking.
R.I.P little Jessica.🙏✝️❤️
I totally agree! Bad decisions made because they didn’t want to embarrass themselves for failing.
An older very wise told me on a long cross country flight in a challenger2 experimental with bad weather coming in hours, and I needed to be back at work Monday.he said that the funeral will be several days later and it will always be on a sunny day,he saved my life with that saying!
The only person who has the authority to decide if a flight departs or not is the PILOT IN COMMAND. Air traffic control doesn't have the authority to deny a takeoff clearance if there is no traffic conflict, regardless of the weather. The decision to take off is the sole responsibility of the PILOT IN COMMAND. In this case, the pilot in command (the instructor) made a very bad decision to take off into weather that was beyond the performance cababilities of the aircraft.
The whole cemetery is in weeds. Maybe there is no one to work there, they did say it's a small town.
Jeff this was a very touching and tastefully handled segment you did..Thank you for this I actually didn’t even know about this tragedy
I too mirror this comment Jeff... Tragic and horrific.
First time I've seen this news interview with Jessica. She was concerned despite her fearless smile. At age 7 she might not had the ability to articulate her concerns about the deteriorating weather conditions vs. her aviation capacity/proficiency.
I believe the flight instructor made the decision to depart in the storm, if Jessica was the pilot in command they likely would have waited the weather out, and lived.
She was 7. She had no proficiency. Her comment about "just don't crash" is a testament to that. Children don't belong in the cockpit.
Total lack of responsibility on the part of his father and the flight instructor.
I forgot about this tragedy. So sad.
Some people are not fit to become parents.
Thanx Jeff.
Sad to see her grave in a mess, no one seems to take care of it weeds growing around there. sad. RIP. thankyou jeff for the hard work to cover this one.
Jessica was born around the same time as my children. This is so very sad. I remember this story when it happened. I have relatives in Wyoming and it's a state known for high winds. In fact, the DOT has closed I-80 down because of dangerous winds before. RIP Jessica.
Sarah and I were in Gillette a year ago and the weather turned on a dime with a storm blowing heavy winds as we were making our way south to Denver.
the department of transportation doesn't close interstate highways due to weather conditions- thats a call made by local law enforcement or the state's highway patrol.
So sad 😢 I want to say more, but my Momma always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say," well, you know.....
Two suicides, and one murder. Rest in Peace Jessica.
Interesting way to put it, & I agree!
I remember when this happened. So sad. The condition of the cemetery and grave is inexcusable. Someone into aviation history should raise funds to move them to a more appropriate memorial location like a flight museum.
What a very sad story, yet beautifully produced and presented by you, as always, Jeff. Thank you History Hunters!
About a zero percent chance girl was actually manipulating the controls during the crash-that one goes on the instructor. He lost control, What a ridiculous waste.
I remember hearing about it in High School, I was shock and sad by the terrible tragedy, I think she was way too young to be a pilot.
She wasn't't the pilot. She just sat in the front seat while the instructors decisions killed everyone.
@@apilotspersective That's not it was portrayed at the time.
That was such a sad story for Jessica her dad & co pilot RIP. Very upsetting to see Jessica grave in such an awful state ☹
not unusual for a family graveyard to be in this state of neglect. what usually happens is someone in the family decides to start maintaining it- especially when land adjacent to it is sold and development happens around it. the family usually has the right to declare it as a monument and keep it as it exists- a bona fide cemetery. but with that priviledge often comes a legal commitment to maintain it as such.
Jessica was Not a pilot and did not have a co-pilot. She had a certfied flight instructor who was the actual pilot in command for all her flights. She was not a pilot.
face expressions can speak a thousand words, heart breaking seeing the look of concern on Jessicas face r.i.p
She looked terrified to me.
are you kidding? she looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a fast-approaching vehicle...
So sad. Thank you Jeff for being respectful and understanding.
Hi. A very sad and tragic story of a seven year old girl who didn't have to lose her life . The weather was terrible, the instructor should have stopped the flight . Her father also should have said no not today . Jessica also looked nervous and tired. Why did the adults not use common sense. RiP Jessica. Deborah 🇨🇦
True in all that you stated!
Get-there-itis was the main reason. They wanted to be at the next stop for the media. The pilot was an idiot allowing that to impair his judgement.
dobroff probably never took off in his plane loaded near the take-off limit like it was, and he was in the back of the plane. hindsight is always 100% correct. come on- they had visions of grandeur for this young girl- they thought they were doing good for her....no one intended to have this kind of outcome. all we can do now is learn from it and try to keep it from ever happening again.
Thank you for the video, I had completely forgotten about that story. I hope the families left behind are able to live with warm memories of those lost.
if that is case, it sure doesn't appear as such, judging by the condition of the grave site
@@tommurphy4307 Good point. But, perhaps they’ve moved too far away, or the pain of that tragedy is too great to visit their grave. I have no idea though, I just try to put myself in the shoes of those left behind. Maybe I’m getting too soft.
I remember the media circus well. I was barely older than her, but knew she was being used. Her last interview is just chilling. This sweet kid was smarter than the adults “protecting” her.
Agreed. Her monosyllabic answers to the interview doesn't match the supposed excitement she was said to have.
Thank you Jeff this is why I love your show so touching!
Thank you!
What a sad video.I don't recall this tragic event but you put together another professional quality video.
Thanks 👍
Wow how sad, never knew or heard about this. Another great one Jeff thanks for sharing 👍
That was the dumbest idea I've ever heard about
I remember this story well. So sad. Thanks for covering it.
Wow, she would be my age today. 💔 I’ve never heard of this story and I grew up in San Jose, Ca… not too far from where she was raised in Ca.
Rest in peace Jessica 💐
Such a sad story, Thanks for sharing, Jeff
Thanks for watching!
Such a horrible story....all the way around. That grave marker looks like a flap that is attached to the wing. The little propeller in the center was so sad to see. Was it by chance a piece of the wreckage ? Thank you Jeff for sharing this piece of history with us.
It does look like a wing doesn’t it? The resin used to fill the hole and finish out the taper off the end of the wind is badly discolored (ugly) and I can imagine it won’t last. No, that small children’s propellor was not part of the plane. I think it may have come from a toy plane left at the memorial site/crash site when Jessie’s mom visited a day after the crash.
yeah, was thinking that too, but it's ugly and now covered by weeds.
Looks like a wing with the flap down (aileron?)
What a terrible tragedy!! She was a beautiful little girl ❤
Great Video Jeff . Your one of the best .
Thank you so much! That’s quite a compliment!
Oh man this one hit home for me. I have a little girl and she is fine but one can't help but to put yourself in their place....RIP Princess
I feel it too. Dads are supposed to protect their little girls.
I got my pilot's licence while in high school in the 80's, and was rooting for little Jessica. So tragic. I'm sad to see the grave site and cemetery seemingly forgotten and abandoned.
I couldn't finish watching this. She was was a year younger and four years younger than my two girls. Her parents, especially her father were reckless parents. No way should anyone have gone along with it. Was the control tower held responsible for letting them take off? I hope so. Until next Sunday and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
I'm not a pilot, but l believe the tower could have refused clearance to take off because of bad weather. The plane was tiny and easy to get thrown around by the wind.
no- i checked both the accident report and the info on the cessna 177 cardinal and they were below the cardinal's useful load limit of 633lbs (slightly less than a 170B) on full fuel load, and the visibility was rated 'marginal' at 1+ miles, so the requested clearance was granted, and from that point, take-off or abortion of same is at the discretion of the pilot in charge- he could have called it off and he was in a better position to judge the conditions than the ATC was and there were no IFR flights taking off or landing immediately prior to N35207 take-off so there was no indication of dangerous flight conditions to the ATC.
I was unfamiliar. What an awful lapse of judgement by the parents, the CFI, and the media.
Hubby is a licensed pilot, I am not- but I wanted to know how to fly and land our plane in case of an emergency. I was in my 30's when I learned how to fly and it is not easy. I can not imagine a 7 year old trying to navigate a plane.
Poor little thing, she should have been home playing with Barbie dolls.
Kind of odd that her parents *never provided her with any toys. They really wanted her to live out what children are only supposed to take on in their imaginations.*
This is beyond sad.. What a beautiful young lady.. God bless you sweetheart.. I bet you're flying on the wings of angles up in heaven.. ❤
This is on the parents. Foolish.
Great story. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Lovely video of a special wee lass. so so sad brought a tear at the loss Thankyou Jeff for bring this to us RIP Jessica
Excellent research. About saddest story you've done.
I agree. It’s a very depressing story and I confess to being a bit sorrowful making this. Such a beautiful little girl.
The shot of the plane taking off after the three got on board was pretty eerie
Thanks for the video and reminding us about this tragic event
You’re welcome. I imagine there will be some who don’t remember this and will be truly shocked when they watch this video. 1996 was a long time ago and some who are voting today weren’t alive then. I became emotional when creating this video.
@@jbenziggy right! I keep forgetting how old I am!😃
@@steveflaim2656 no kidding! I didn’t think 62 was old but dang I guess it is now. I’m getting senior discounts in restaurants! 🤣
great video
As a CFI and corporate pilot for years I am astounded when I see a situation such as this. Pure stupidity on this CFI’s part.
And the parents.....
A shame how that grave yard is abandoned like that. It’s scary to think when my time comes that may eternal resting place can be in those same conditions and there is no one out there to protect these places.
Its a sad reality for many graves…..graves are normally kept by loved ones, considering this was in 1996 grandparents are really old and mom may have passed by now as well. This will happen with everyone who is lucky enough to get buried instead of cremated.
We will all eventually be forgotten.
She was clearly scared. You could see it on her face. Her father was not a good dad. He did not protect her.
And she denied it with an almost laughing tone. I think she was masking her feelings.
@@jbenziggyagreed
Such a sad story. Poor little Jessica. Jeff you told this story with your usual dignity and consideration for those involved.
Ultimately the responsibility goes in the hands of the flight instructor. He was the pilot in command, nevemind what the media wants to report. He was responsible for the go/no-go decision and perhaps more importantly, the weight and balance calculations. It was his license overseeing the flight and his responsibility for the safety of the flight. So sad.
Great story but sad thanks for doing this story
Such a sad story !
Don't remember this back in 1996 !
Thanks jeff
You’re welcome. It’s such a sad and tragic outcome for what should have been an amazing trip!
I can’t believe that other pilots believe she was capable of flying an aircraft without someone else operating the rudders, which she could barely reach, let alone push. What a complete load of bull.
The state of that grave and graveyard are an utter disgrace!
Thank you
Thank you, Denise! I appreciate the fact that you watched and left a comment!
You outdid yourself this time - Great video. Done in a very professional poignant way.
Thank you. It’s a sad story for sure and it’s hard for me to watch even after I produced it
She would have been 35 this year. Even in death, her mother made sure even her funeral wasn't conventional. I may be remembering this wrong, but instead of her casket being in, say, a chapel where people would walk in and pay their respects, her casket was in the backyard of their house - on the ground no less. THAT is what I remember best of the aftermath. But this is one sad incident that I never forgot.
You are right, the casket was in the back yard for a while. I would bet they were probably not Christian nor ever attended a church service, either of them.
@@jbenziggy Thank you. I was sure I remembered that right. And one other details I just remembered - I believe it was raining when that happened. I can't even believe I would even remember that - it was 27 years ago. But weird how our brain cells work sometimes, isn't it?
California......
@@kenneth9874 Every US state has weird parents.
@@MrChopsticktech California is the leader in weirdos by far but the cancer there has spread
this was so sad to watch........but than you for remembering this sweet little girl
This was a good video guys ! I live in montana for almost 34 years , I never heard of this story, Jeff I always least SOMETHING from every one of your video's . THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.......
Right on! Hopefully it wasn’t too depressing.
@@jbenziggy no Jeff it was sad but the truth it was a good video...THANK you for your response.....
Sad story to learn from
What a beautiful, brave little soul. RIP❤
Hi Jeff and Sarah thank you for another interesting video. It is sad that a child who is so young to have lost her life in a tragic accident. It is nice to see that there is a law that protects children from flying planes and kids need to be kids. Looking forward to seeing the next video love and blessings Larry June and Laurie
i wasn't aware of such a law- am i allowed to do touch n' gos with a client as an FAA-certificated propeller airman? i've done many- one time a client's teenage son gave me a quick in-service before we took off in his dad's AC690. dad was in the back watching us, just beaming with pride. i had just installed the props having repaired one and checking condition and blade angles on the other.
GR8 HH vid of a very difficult and sad time. Thnx Jeff for all you do. ~ Chris
Thanks so much, Chris!
What an incredibly sad story compounded by the disgraceful condition of the grave. Is there any way we could pressure the cemetery to at least cut the weeds?
just looked at with GE pro street view and its greener (they got some rain) and even looks like its been weed-wacked. see what youtube can do? perhaps the mom would be open to a gofundme page to put a proper monument on her grave....
Such a heartbreaking story. Yes, I remember Jessica and having great admiration for her becoming an accomplished pilot at such a young age. Like everyone else who kept track of her journey I was rooting for her, but fearful that something could happen, prayed for a safe flight. I am so, so sorry that it ended in tragedy. It's always a terrible thing, but especially when it happens to a young child like Jess. When I watched this I thought of her mom, syblings, and other family and friends that still mourn losing her so young, and their dad; as well as the family and friends of her flight instructor, who perished with them. So sad, too, to see her grave so horribly neglected. Thanks for telling her story.
That flight instructor had no business taking off in that weather. He completely succumbed to media pressure and killed everyone.
@@apilotspersective Indeed. Was there any rush to get out that day? It's not like there was a time limit... Some serious invulnerability there.
WATCH IT AGAIN AND LISTEN TO THE NARRATION- he said her birthday was coming up and the father wanted the record in the books showing she was 7 years old@@WinginWolf
@@apilotspersective I believe he succumbed to pressure from the father. The dad may not have paid him yet and wouldn't if they didn't accomplish it before she turned 8.
@@tommurphy4307 What's with the caps, dude? I get it.
If that's the case, then it's a shame she didn't do it just a few months younger. Flight that day may not have needed to have happened. Though who knows what other risks they would have put her in in the future, afterwards.
Thanks brother for another wonderful video. Yes what a waste of a little 7 year old who had her whole life before her taken to early just for record REST IN LOVING PEACE LITTLE ANGEL...❤
Such a tragic loss! It broke the hearts of millions who followed her story and then some.
wont be checking facebook much till after the 5th am having eye surgery so I can't read well until then take care love your channel
I don't know if I'm more saddened -- or more disgusted -- by this event. I had completely forgotten about this, as it was so many years ago. As many have already alluded to, many pilots with much more experience would have declined to take off in those conditions, much less FLY in them.
First Thankyou Jeff for your sensitive telling of this tragic story. This should never have happened but that being said she certainly has touched the face of God where she is safe.
Thanks. I always try to be respectful. Such a sweet little girl who should be 35 and alive and well today.
We are both Dads the same age. I forgot about this story too over the years. My daughter is 33 now. Happy Thanksgiving. Jeff to you and yours.
Happy holidays!
I don't understand why they ignored the weather conditions. I am a former private pilot and I would never have started the flight with this plane under such weather conditions.
Such conditions are tricky, even for an experienced pilot. The flight instructor should have known this.