John Denver's Heartbreaking Death Explained - Country Boy's Secret History

[@TasteofCountryMusic]

Can you believe it's been nearly 26 years!? This episode of Secret History of Country Music explains why John Denver crashed. It was all so avoidable!

[@johnkozlovich5519]

Nature's way of thinning the herd

[@dathorndike4908]

I think it is pretty clear why he crashed and you guys mentioned it briefly, but missed its significance. When he took off he took off from Monterey, right? He spent a short time in the air flying over Santa Cruz and along the shore a bit, then was heading back towards Monterey when he crashed. So, he was essentially heading back to end his flight and land. My thought has always been that he probably looked at the fuel he had and thought that it's gonna be a short flight I will have enough in the tank to get me there and back. BUT, what he did not take into account was the recent upgrade to the 150 horesepower engine which is going to burn more fuel. That explains why he did not make a bigger deal about the fuel switch before he took off. He didn;t think he would need to use it. Then when he got into trouble realizing his fuel was burning much more quickly than he thought and he needed to switch tanks- he fought to reach the switch, lost control.. and crashed.

[@Doggitobella]

This report is a complete lie.

[@jimjohngirard]

I met him backstage in Cerritos, CA 5 months before his untimely passing. He was troubled then....I could sense it....he was a bit distracted and, well, a bit off. But he was nice and shook my hand. I finally got to shake the hand of the man who influenced the trajectory of my life....God Rest His Soul.

[@matclark70]

My cousin was with him at Clint Eastwood's on October 11th, 1997; John was just fine.

[@karenlindley1426]

Been a John Denver fan since the early '70s. Went to the John Denver Sanctuary and JD week in Aspen for the 25th anniversary. Attended his concerts whenever he was in the Philadelphia area. There will never be another entertainer like him. All the critics can speculate what happened, but we will never know the truth. Just listen to his songs; there is meaning in each of them. Sit at the foot of a mountain, or by a stream, or watch an eagle fly.......it's really incredible what nature has to offer all of us. We all have baggage that we regret, we're all human. I will always be his #1 fan no matter how the media portrays him. He was a great humanitarian, philanthropist and human being and definitely died too early.

[@cwjourney]

Well stated. He was and still is one of the biggest influences in my life. Miss him. ❤

[@janesmith3123]

Love John Denver, no one like him. I was devastated!! Still miss him today!!!

[@lindaannbrockel348]

John Denver deserves to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame !!!!!!

[@Rick-h4q]

John needs to be in the hall of fame.

[@jcfc8197]

I love John Denver’s music. I was lucky enough to see him in concert twice in the mid 70’s. To this day, I’m still listening to his music.

[@plantmillionsofteees5676]

I think Addison’s first impression was correct … In his autobiography (“Take Me Home” 1994), he recounts a time back in the late 70s / early 80s when he was in London, and thought of jumping from his balcony. He had gotten into a bad fight with Annie, and was so overtaken by it all that he thought of taking his life in that moment. My point being that there was at least this one episode of suicidal ideation … Also, he had a gun with him on the plane, the day he died … Add to that, the melancholic lyrics in many of his songs. I’m not saying that John took his own life. I personally believe that he did, but I might be wrong. We’ll never know. But what we do know is that John Denver was truly an original, whose beautiful music made this world a much brighter place. No one’s music made more of an impact on my life than John Denver’s.

[@matclark70]

John simply miscalculated his fuel level before flight. John was squawking his radio with the tower just moments before he crashed.

[@judithscobee8102]

Apparently he had depression and was an alcoholic, according to his ex wife, Annie! He had his issues!

[@debbiesmitherman9295]

John Denver was a one of a kind .

[@mitzianngoodgion3180]

Thank you for the video of John Denver

[@GoldyRyun]

I love John Denver he was absolutely amazing and a great song writer and singer , and most of all he loved all living beings , I will always love him ❤

[@lauraduffy9055]

I adored John Denver. It’s because of him that I am a guitarist, and still have the same model Guild he had. I believe he belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame. His music stands on its own and he was a truly magnetic performer with infectious enthusiasm. All this said, I was sad and lost respect when I heard him on a talk show interview because he said his music comes first, even before Annie, and he told her so. I never loved him quite the same after that (think it was the Mike Douglas Show). Please do a special about him. He’ll always have part of my heart. ❤

[@orabidoomed]

Your Guild - is it a F50R of maybe the F-612? Best regards Henning😊

[@PaulWhitcomb-ty6md]

One thing that is not often talked-about is his guitar work. He is one of the most rock-solid acoustic guitarists that i have heard. His timing was like a clock. Please forgive him. He may have known, at even a conscious level, just how important his music would be to the rest of the world. I believe he was divinely-guided.

[@vickyhatcher8338]

I loved his music I would go to sleep listening to him.

[@Marie.Herbst]

I miss his music and how much he loved nature 😢❤ forever missed

[@rowboat1972]

Can you even IMAGINE the music we would have been blessed with, over the last 26 years, had he not been killed?

[@PaulWhitcomb-ty6md]

His last album, One World, was the strongest in quite some time. He sang for Farm Aid and was still fighting the good fight.

[@garychambers5850]

I loved John Denver's songs! I seen him Perform at the _New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum_ back in April 1975. Got there a bit late. When we walked in he was playing the fiddle and singing "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" what a show he put on! So tragic we lost him so early in his life. He had so much more to give us. I'm sure everyone in heaven are hearing all his great songs! ✝🙏🏻❤ God bless him and his family! *"AMEN"*

[@wendycampbell5099]

My favorite John Denver song was "Sunshine on My Shoulders". I was a big fan until I heard him in an interview say some things that just didn't seem right. I dont remember what they were but it was enough to change my mind about him. None the less he was a very talented singer, songwriter. From reading the comments, I wasn't aware of his struggles. We all have struggles don't we? Whether it be in private or in the open. I pray he is at peace. 🙏

[@doreengramling191]

John Denver was ahead of his time: he was a conservationist, environmentalist, he cared for the hungry, especially children. If he lived, he would have accomplished his dream of participating in going into space. He definitionally died too soon - his friends on the golf course that day wanted him to play another round of golf which he should have done. Also John should never have painted the plane first he should have focused on changing/making sure the fuel switch was in the front not behind him. He went up 4 times and should have stopped but the final fifth flight was his demise. Again, John Denver died too soon, he would have made a difference in our would today.

[@caboogie]

You mention John and Lady Di and how the public adored them. In fact, they both were collaborating on a moratorium on landmines globally along with Sonny Bono. All three part of the initiative and all three died within a year. A major loss to the planet (1997-98).

[@jayalanchristianson7070]

Terrific banter on JD. Insightful.

[@Ronin4614]

A few things: Fuel is generally carried in tanks inside the wings. At the time John took off, from what I have come to learn, is: one wing tank was 2/3 full and the other wing was 1/4 full. John first flew I think it was 2 or 3 touch and gos and then a little more VFR local free flying. So: John likely flew a wing tank nearly dry and planned on landing with what was left in the other wing tank. Most likely, John was unable to make the tank change work for him. From the autopsy reports, describing clothing and body parts as they were first observed for autopsy, it sounds like John was unbelted in the seat when the aircraft hit the water, nose first. This does indeed suggest John was struggling to make fuel supply change with that switch behind him; in the area of his left shoulder/upper arm.

[@eeveelane]

I guess when he went down his whole body combusted at the same time hope he rest in peace

[@krechenklein4453]

The biggest mistake was not familiarizing himself with the fuel selection handle and/or not fueling up to begin with. I would have fueled up and not have to worry about it. That would have fixed everything.

[@honeybadger5933]

Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson are now both in the Rock and Roll HOF so theirs no reason he shouldn't be there. My friends and I are going to see a John Denver tribute show later this month by Jim Curry. So excited.

[@matclark70]

From the NTSB Report. "According to the designer and the seller, this type of airplane has two 26-gallon fuel tanks in the wing roots that contain usable fuel. The fuel quantity is determined by viewing non-linear sight leave gauges located in the rear cockpit at the wing roots. The sight gauges show an amount of actual fuel supporting a red float. Postaccident examination of the airplane disclosed that the sight gauges were not marked or calibrated for quantity." "The maintenance technician who helped the pilot move the airplane out of the hangar before the accident flight mentioned that the fuel sight gauges were only visible to the rear cockpit occupant. The pilot then asked the technician about the quantity of fuel shown. The technician told the pilot that he had “less than half in the right tank and less than a quarter in the left tank.” The technician said that he estimated the fuel quantity based on the assumption that the gauge presentation was linear. The technician provided a shop inspection mirror to the pilot so that he could look over his shoulder at the fuel sight gauges. The mirror was recovered in the wreckage."

[@mayhem7455]

I hate country music. But as i got older, i found an appreciation for his music. I remember people in the 80's making fun of him for his simple way of life. Such a shame they're keeping him out of the Hall.

[@krechenklein4453]

Shame on them for making fun. I can see why - his long hair and “corny” songs in the 1970’s could make some people laugh. But he was a genuine nice guy and didn’t deserve anything like this.

[@juliabegins8312]

I hope he does get in the country hall of fame He’s very talented All people are flawed he most defiantly should be in the country music hall of fame

[@dac782000]

One of my middle school teachers is a cousin of John Denver!

[@ceciliavanderwall-bc8yj]

I so loved ALL his songs😊😊

[@matclark70]

There was fuel in the tanks. He and the mechanic visually checked the fuel levels with a measurement stick. The estimation was that he had enough fuel between both tanks to perform a couple of "touch and go" maneuvers on the runway. Did you read the NTSB report?

[@TheBird422]

Your comparisons are way off. John Denver was more popular than most other artists today

[@neatstuff1988]

I'm a pro pilot and I can tell you exactly how it happened. First you didn't bring along with a fuel . A pilot always talks off his tanks before he leaves. As he was trying to reach the fuel shut off. Is right foot pushed the right runner by accident to gain leverage. That caused the nose over. Unrecoverable mall from that low altitude. R I p

[@Winston-xh6xn]

The long ez has an extremely long range on a full tank .The airplane stalls very abruptly and it has a tendency to roll very quickly into an extreme nose down attitude .This airplane can be rolled by just using the rudder pedals

[@lelandstronks319]

I still miss him everyday. A tragic loss. I don’t think he was flying without his license, he was still under review. I have heard that he had hypoglycemia and was sensitive to alcohol. I think he was flying a plane that he didn’t quite understand. All planes are different and need a little training on how they work properly. He was exited to try it out, and well he jumped the gun. I met him twice and he had a way with people that was unique. Like everyone was a friend, right off the bat.👍🎼 I don’t think he was much into the CMA thing, he was music of a more western theme. Songwriter Hall of Fame, his humanitarian awards and being honored by the Lakota Nation as an honorary member was more important to him.👍

[@krechenklein4453]

Couldn’t agree more. He rushed into flying the plane and didn’t familiarize himself with the fuel selector, nor fill up. What a shame. I’m sure he would feel sorry for causing so much hurt to people, and tell people what a mistake that was, although maybe he wouldn’t feel too bad about it.

[@QRU39]

John Denver is playing Vincent Fusca currently. John Denver's son is Steve Irwin.

[@GassersGhost]

John was an unrecognized rebel.

[@lisa.mariewilliams1617]

Back when this happened I thought this was a Newly Created Type Plane & he was Testing it out or Flying it for the 1st Time? At Any Rate he should DEFINITELY BE in the MUSIC HALL OF FAME❣️ ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@MarkShinnick]

JD didn't take his time seriously asking about LEZ characteristics, such as non-cruising fuel burn, and why we don't materially alter Burts's designs. Some calls to Dick Rutan.. who would have made sure JD got the right orientation to the airplane before he flew it with more respect. This was weird for me in 1997 because a few weeks before in my LEZ, my right shoe came off and jammed the right rudder at low speed/altitude, which really screws the handling. That's how I know the likely reason for this crash, where JD got distracted from flying the airplane, with the non-standard fuel valve, and jammed the right rudder as he reached over his left shoulder...fixated dealing with the frozen handle to switch tanks. JD simply forgot to fly the airplane and got himself decapitated when he otherwise would have simply ditched the airplane straight into the onshore wind, and been OK.

[@judymasson4621]

I met him twice when he was married to his first wife but after the divorce, I feel like he changed emotionally he never used to drink. He was always living a healthy lifestyle, but I think, as was said in the video, he was an adrenaline junkie it gave him a thrill to test fate, and he never used to be that way.

[@recessional5560]

9:56 - Wtf was that noise 😂 😂 🤪

[@markphelps588]

If speculation on what might have happened in the cockpit is the core of your post, maybe ask someone to join you who knows about aviation?

[@hoosiermama3001]

I remember when this happened and there were rumors that it was intentional on his part. I don't think we'll ever know.

[@krechenklein4453]

True. One of the best pieces of evidence for this was the unloaded pistol under his seat. Why would he do this? Well, my guess is for protection.

[@jackiillenye9021]

John died October 12th 1997 lots of 17th and they honor his legacy and his music every October and Aspen they do aspen in October and that's been going on since the year that he died people come from all over the world for the celebration it's held in Aspen every year and he's been gone 26 years any should be in the country Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame I love his music and his specials and I watch him all the time and listen to his music

[@hunterdaniels1790]

I dont understand why anyone wants to go in any experiential aircraft or submarine etc.

[@herbertvanrensburg6411]

I think that his mechanic was a dumb bastard to place the fuel switch behind the pilots seat.

[@philipbant657]

John Denver, great artist, very great artist. Very poor husband.

[@lisa.mariewilliams1617]

YES HE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE INDUCTED INTO THE FALL OF FAME! 🫶🏼👼🙏🏻

[@tmadsam]

His genius quality of his music is fabulous. None of us are perfect, but his music WAS perfect! He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame because of his artistic abilities, and doesn't have to do with his personal life. HE BELONGS IN THE HALL OF FAME!!!

[@t.conring]

So he was grieving from his father’s death and reacted with the chainsaw/ bed seems understandable.

[@PaulWhitcomb-ty6md]

Am I correct that no pilot's license is required for "experimental", and that is why John was flying that type of aircraft? I think a lot of the decisions were "accidentally, on purpose". I believe John was severely disappointed by mankind's lack of awareness and by his loss of Annie. John was a staunch and unrelenting advocate for many causes and ideas that could make this a better planet. There are technical considerations, such as no glide-ratio on the EZ aircraft, method of fuel- level testing (shove a yard-stick into the fuel tank) and his decision to sit in the front seat, but like I said, I think his depression was profound, and combined with his risk-taking propensity, this led him to keep some options open (making his transition into spirit). We do not know that death of the body is a "tragedy". It, like our birth, could be exquisitely- and precisely-timed, by a higher-power.

[@orabidoomed]

How can a normal person make up a theory that JD intentionally chose to crash the plane. For heaven's sake , he would risk to become severely injured before the water would get in and drown him. 😣

[@Doggitobella]

I believe the real cause of John’s plane taking a nosedive will never be published.

[@kirsty3253]

John Denver was the 1970.... if Elvis was the 1950 and the Beatles were the 1960's ... he was never past his prime....

[@GoldyRyun]

That was not a marital bed , his first wife bout that bed when he was out on the road performing and right after his father had passed away,

[@ecomarlee]

I would think the plane crash investigators would have a good idea as to what really caused the crash. An engine failure due to lack of fuel or otherwise would not result in a 500 foot nose dive. Planes do glide when engine fails. Also, you would think 500 feet is high enough for a small plane to recover from a stall or nose dive. There could of course have been another problem with plane that crash investigators not telling about. Suicide a real possibility.

[@matclark70]

Not when you lose engine power and, at the same time, inadvertently press the rudder and drop the nose The Long-EZ dropped like a stone, and 500 feet isn't anywhere near enough room to recover.

[@t.conring]

Why are we comparing Kobe and John Denver’s death? 👀

[@BrigidaScannavino]

I believe he was pushed into a dreadful outcome -,before his death he was suggested and pushed into serious drugs goes out on a limb a nd be ca.m😢e dangerous

[@ericmassi8830]

It wasn’t his bed. It was a dining room table. It was during his divorce

[@tailrj]

Was this lady there because she acts like it smh 🤦‍♀️? He was a great man and a great singer! That's all i need to know ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Blando7887]

Country roads took him home

[@PaulWhitcomb-ty6md]

You get the goofball award for this comment section.

[@jamesnoll6377]

I don’t think you understand the whole picture. He was talking about the switch to the mechanic just before takeoff. Now if you believe he than forgot to gas up, what planet are you from. You don’t need to gas up if you’re not coming back. He was depressed off and on for years, maybe never off , who can say. If you listen to his song Autograph you can hear him say things that show how depressed he was in 1980. I was depressed for 7 plus years so I know a thing or two about it. I feel he was trying to get people to consider it an accident by taking about the switch just before takeoff. When the incident happened before I knew anything about it I knew that he did it on purpose. I have been saying so to anyone that would listen. Now I’m saying it here. I have no doubt and never did from the first. Sorry to burst your bubble!

[@PaulWhitcomb-ty6md]

I don't doubt his higher-self's decision for him to make his transition. Sometimes, a new frame-of-reference is necessary for progress.

[@lindamcmillan7618]

Ilove his music

[@nevaehlumiere5418]

I was lucky enough to go to one of his concerts in Ohio in the mid 80s. He had such a stage presence.!!

[@dorothynortje4993]

Was there no movie of him

[@mitchybeach6053]

PLEASE GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT - John died on October 12, 1997 NOT October 17!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Lilliecwalinski16]

He died. 1 month, and the same year. I was born!! I knew, he was killed. But I never knew what happened!!

[@brianfarrelly7757]

You got nothing to offer here, to make a comparison with John Denver’s immense talent to Shania Twains tells me right off that you are way off base.

[@keithlorino5234]

Divorce ruins man's health

[@Mskathleenh4656]

Did we have Internet in 1977?

[@lishamarie2752]

He died in 1997

[@thunderbugcreative7778]

He was anti-war and had socialist views. He had a deep FBI file.... That should tell you everything you need to know.

[@beachcomber39553]

Boring useless commentary much better with the sound turned off

[@californiadreaming567]

Or was it not an accident

[@alexsmart3365]

John upet too many on the dark side of life.

[@whollymary7406]

Maybe he hired someone to refuel but that person didn’t do it?

[@keithlorino5234]

Going w her on the suicide

[@keithlorino5234]

6 years earlier was divirced 2nd time

[@rickwaldron4255]

It still had fuel in the planes fuel tanks and it was still running..so whst realy happened we will.never know the truth only.denver knows

[@neatstuff1988]

By his own admission he screwed a different woman after every concert. Who could remain married to that. He was an accident looking to happen.

[@EDP1]

i think it was suicide . avery plane when there is no fuel it will stil glide and not steep fowart down .

[@PaulWhitcomb-ty6md]

Most have a glide ratio. Experimental planes do not.

[@gabe-po9yi]

His personality was 180 degree opposite of his music. He was a rageaholic, an alcoholic, had no friends, treated others with disdain and contempt, multitudes of female assistants left in tears, he tried to destroy his second wife. Maybe his songs were an attempt to quell his demons and find happiness, who knows, but he did write some great tunes.

[@eeveelane]

sounds like karma to me AND I am sure he was a nice person but if you do evil deeds expect a bad outcome.

[@MarieORourke-e3v]

Hope someone writes something kinder about you when you shed your mortal coil, having achieved nothing comparable to John Denver's incredible contribution. I doubt whether anyone will bother.

[@karenlindley1426]

His second wife used him, she tried to destroy him. John did so much for mankind and the environment in his short life

[@cm9660]

Well, people make mistakes. Unfortunately, with John, that mistake was fatal. Sad!

[@krechenklein4453]

Terribly sad. Unfortunately I give him most of the blame for the accident. It’s true that the fuel selector on the plane was unsafe, but he purchased it and everything following the purchase was in his hands. I guess the bottom line is that we all mistakes, as you say. It’s a sad conclusion to this, but that’s life.