U.S. Politicians Killed in Airplane Crashes

Jeff will tap into his autograph collection to highlight U.S. politicians who died in tragic airplane crashes since the 1920s.
Those highlighted include U.S. Senators John Heinz, Paul Wellstone and John Tower, former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, Oregon Governor Earl Snell, Montana Governor Donald Nutter, Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, Congressman Hale Boggs, South Dakota Governor George Mickelson, Congressman Thaddeus Sweet, Congressman Jerry Litton and family, and more.
NOTE: A viewer pointed out two errors in our video, which cannot be corrected since it’s completed and cannot be re-edited. I had stated erroneously that Jean Carnahan became governor upon her husband’s death. She actually was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat her husband won posthumously after his Oct. 16, 2020 death.
I also made an error in stating that Shirley Pettis replaced her husband Jerry Pettis “five days later” in the U.S. House of Representatives upon his Feb. 14, 1975 death in a plane crash. Shirley was elected in an April 29, 1975 special election to fill the vacancy caused by the death.

[@donnawoepke8861]

I do remember Mel Carnahan and his son dying in a plane crash, I am from Missouri. I did not realize that so many more politicians also died in plane crashes. Excellent story.

[@robinscarborough6969]

I'm from Mo too, I was a friend of Mel's cousin, Ken.

[@jock699]

Mel won election 3 weeks after his death--I think that is why his wife was appointed after. Imagine being Ashcroft who lost to a dead man.

[@greggwatkinsjr.4308]

I've heard about so many musicians getting killed in the plane crash, but how sad that there was many politicians that were killed in a crash as well. 😔🇺🇸

[@noahhyde8769]

Also, Ted Stevens' wife Ann was killed in the 1978 plane crash that he survived -- and he didn't 'retire' from the Senate. He was defeated due to an ill-timed allegation (just before the 2008 election) that was later disproven.

[@muffs55mercury61]

And sports teams as well. When you have to travel a lot the possibility of an accident does happen. And before navigation got better in the 1970s and 80s the incidence of military plane crashes were very high.

[@mrliberty8468]

Yeah second hand MJ smoke in the cockpit..

[@AB-ye7bw]

Another fine concise history lesson from the History Hunters!

[@ford32able]

Having worked for a newspaper in southern Utah ( a Gannet Property) we were blessed to have had several reporters who could make a story of an ant crossing a sidewalk into a great headline! But Jeff, your ability to extract details about those that are no longer with us just makes me wish that I could have worked with you. Your are a blessing to all who are able to still hear the wonders of your mind. I thank you again for doing something that no one else does, we are blessed because of you...THX

[@fernyv4368]

Its a teacher but in the truth.

[@jbenziggy]

Hi Rich, wow, your comment really floored me in a good way. I really appreciate your high opinion of me and my videos and I guess I can chalk it up to over 40 years experience in the newspaper business and digging up facts and trying to find interesting angles to stories. I still work for a newspaper, but, I’m getting more enthusiasm for video production at this stage of my life. I really cannot tell you how much I appreciate your amazing support. Blessings to you, Jeff.

[@ford32able]

@@jbenziggy For those that are no longer with us, obviously, cannot speak to us and tell us what happened in there lives. So, with your research you are able to make there voices heard one more time...and that sir, is one great gift that I admire in what you do.

[@casebarreoltt5990]

That reads remarkably like a response to a request for an autograph.

[@lisablake5328]

Hi Jeff, As a resident of Alaska, yes, we have a lot of plane crashes, as you said. Mostly, though, some can be avoided by paying attention to the weather.We had one 2 years ago with a councilman and some tourists who had crashed into each other.Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

[@denisesmith2745]

Oh, wow, Jeff….. You always resonate with me. Now this is huge. I have been a flight attendant for 38 years. Eastern and American but now retired. My dad and brother are both pilots. I grew up with our own airplane. My ex husband, the father of my only child, was Captain at Eastern and China Airlines. Of course, he’s retired. We had Cessnas, Beechcraft Duchess, Seaplane and more. These stories really get to me. I know some of the pilots weren’t probably trained very well. It seems politicians would have possibly been spared if they would have flown commercially. I wouldn’t get in a small plane unless it was with Dad, my brother or ex husband. These small planes have to be anualled by A&P. Something is very wrong with several of these crashes. And my question is… why in the world was Clinton laughing? Thank you, Jeff… sorry for rambling but could longer!❤

[@gearjammer4779]

You make excellent videos. I especially like the California videos about the cities and towns there. I spent 35 of my 60 years in California. I moved away in 1999 to Oklahoma. I’ve been a trucker for 42 years starting at age 18 in Norco , CA and spent many years trucking up and down Hwy 99 and I-5. I’ve been to the majority of those towns and was born in Bakersfield. Keep up the good work because we’re all waiting for your next video. 👍

[@daleslover2771]

👍👍👍

[@maryturko6490]

This was very interesting. I remember many of those crashes. John Heinz in particular. I had great hope for his future political career. Thank you for sharing this.

[@patriciaschuster1371]

I live in Pittsburgh and was at University of Pittsburgh looking out a classroom window for his funeral held at the Heinz Chapel.

[@WayneKline]

On another plane next Thursday, will still fly after watching this video Jeff. Another very good video, so much great information. Well done and thank you for keeping us all educated in history.

[@bassboy1945]

I really enjoyed this vlog Jeff. I remember most of those politicians who lost their lives, especially John Tower. Back in the day, the 60's, I had a band. One of the guys in the group mom worked for the Republican Party. She was in charge of lining up the entertainment for their fund raisers here in Texas. We played 2 fund raisers for John Tower and one for congressman Bruce Alger. We also did one for John Connally "Democrat" when he was running for governor. Anyway, I have 2 hand written letters from John Tower personally thanking me for helping him in his travels across Texas. I also have a letter from Alger and Connally. I have newspaper clippings as well of my band with Tower and Alger. I had totally forgotten that I had the things I mentioned until I saw your vlog. Thank you for reminding me of those memories....

[@swansfan6944]

My husband will be 60 in June, so retirement is coming up. We were hoping to see a lot of America one day. After watching this though 😟 and taking in the fact the flight is about 19 hours, I’m not so keen now. It’s a long time for something to go wrong. Then again I’m not a politician.🤞 Thanks Jeff ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

[@jimmyjames6267]

Buy a motorhome!

[@swansfan6944]

@@jimmyjames6267 very funny 😁

[@jerryfountain7921]

This video was a bit overwhelming Jeff and chock full of interesting information. So sad to hear about so many people who have passed on well before their time. Thank you for your presentation of their many crashes.

[@bender7565]

The more I watch the better you get, at least to me. Thanks for a job well done.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that. I am getting better at video editing and if I am rehearsed I do better in front of the camera. Thank you very much!

[@markfellhauer352]

I was driving into St. Paul, MN with a friend on October 25, 2002 to attend a Hamvention and WiFi conference when the news of Paul Wellstone's airplane crash came over the radio. The entire area that morning had been experiencing fog, rain, and snow and was not a good time to be flying in a King Air A100, nor driving on the roads. What struck me is that by noon that day the streets of the twin cities were filled with mourners, many of them wailing and crying and prostrating themselves as if a favorite uncle had died. It was a bizarre spectacle. At some point we realized that most of these people appeared to be government employees. Government offices shut down and citizens with real issues and important business to conduct were locked out of city, county, state, and federal offices or told to come back the following week. I'd heard of the term, "cult of personality" before, but this was over the top - it felt more like something you'd see in North Korea or the Old Soviet Union.

[@isabelaguilar2903]

Great video jeff Didn't know a lot of politicians passed away in Plane Crash! RIP. Thank You.

[@BillGreenAZ]

John Ashcroft was so unpopular that Mel Carnahan won the Senate election against him weeks after Carnahan's death. Ashcroft eventually went on to become one of the most unpopular attorney generals in recent history. The story of the members of the Warren Commission, including the story of one member Hale Boggs who you feature here, is a very interesting set of stories. One was Allen Dulles, the head of the CIA and the MKUltra mind control project, Hale Boggs, John McCloy, president of the World Bank Chairman of Chase Bank and chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Gerald Ford, former president.

[@stargater2892]

I remember too many of them. I have also wondered why spouses step in to political positions, honestly I've never looked into it. Sonny Bono's wife came to mind. I would fly, I would prefer to do so without a politician, athlete or notably recognized person on board. Grief is hard enough without the publicity. I can recall Kobe, his daughter G, and some other people. Enjoyed this episode.

[@spudwas]

Don't go flying on October 16th!!! Great video. The scary thing about planes as opposed to car's, is that you have zero control over your destiny.

[@bill2066]

JEFF, I always enjoy your aircraft Crash Videos. Always well done. Would love to see more.

[@marceyvogt2007]

I do remember some of those crashes. My nephew, Mark, was killed in a small plane crash. The pilot accidentally flew into a mountain near the Laramie airport in Wyoming. Makes me scared of small planes like most of these people died in. Scary. ❤

[@perryandy2]

God is good.

[@karenvecchio4455]

Amen

[@garyfrancis6193]

Which one?

[@perryandy2]

@@garyfrancis6193 there's only one Father son and holy Ghost

[@thejourney1369]

What an interesting episode! I remember hearing about Hale Boggs years ago when I first became interested in true crime and missing people. As a former history major I find your videos really interesting. I’m behind on my notifications and I’m trying to get caught up.

[@rosseganjr9402]

nice autograph collection!

[@loumartell7687]

Hi Jeff just watched a surprise video of politicians killed in plane crashes I don't know of any personally but you really pointed out a lot of things of interest to me Love you guys keep up the good work your number one fan Lou Martell

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Lou, for the wonderful sentimentt that you typed out for us. We really appreciate all the fine folks like you support this channel and watch your videos. Blessings!

[@caroletomlinson5480]

Mostly, I remember Paul Wellstone, Mel Carnahan and Ron Brown 😢😢😢 as tragic losses for the country. …btw, Chillicothe, Missouri, is pronounced “chill-i-coth-ee”, with emphasis on chill. Thanks for the synthesis💔 and remembrance.😢

[@suz632]

Very interesting and different content. Its quite disturbing when you consider all these people's fates at once. Your signature collecting hobby is neat. Must be difficult nowadays to get people to oblige. Thanks again for thought provoking content thats enjoyable to watch. 👏

[@Stony121]

Three of Ted Stevens' children were customers of mine, one became a good friend. After their father died in the latest crash there was more than enough evidence to suspect sabotage but at the time it was considered a "conspiracy theory" (sound familiar?). Very sad indeed...

[@starcarmen1]

You’re a great story teller. Thanks so much. ❤

[@jbenziggy]

Much appreciation for that compliment! ❤️

[@brentgardner5103]

Another top-notch episode!! Thank you!! 😀

[@cindykdelk7604]

Great episode Jeff

[@toddadale]

wonderful collection - thanks!

[@andreajohnson1796]

Interesting, anything could happen but it happens, Thanks for sharing Jeff always a good one

[@richarddavenport31]

I LOVE ALL THE DETAIL YOU HAVE!!!!

[@Andrew-xx2kr]

Hey Jeff, Andrew Dillon here if your reading these comments. Super stoked for your success on here. Got a lot of fans here at work, Gallo Glass. As far as we are concerned your the new Huell Howser. Your content is always great. Wishing you even more KZbin success above what you've already accomplished!

[@jbenziggy]

Hi Andrew! Of course I read the comments! Really happy to hear from my old Waterford family! Thank you very much for comparing me to Huell Howser which is a compliment indeed. Our styles are a bit different because I don’t go around sticking a microphone in people’s faces. Lol. Tell your parents I think about them and hope they are doing well. And tell your Gallo coworkers that I send my thanks to them too! We just hit 107,000 subscribers this morning!

[@Andrew-xx2kr]

I will tell them and as an aside, I'm sure you have a ton of content in the works that your going thru, but I took my wife and kids thru death valley recently and stopped in Ballarat, Ca. and I couldn't stop myself from thinking it was the kind of place you would visit. Nice to hear from you and like I said, love to see your channel grow.

[@Nena84734]

I have to say Jeff, this was a great episode, I didn’t expect much but was throughly into it. It’s pretty nice how you put it all together and made it so interesting, thanks!!

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

As always Jeff that's very interesting. Thanks for sharing some of your memories.

[@43JohnDeere]

Fascinating...you never disappoint.

[@jimbullard441]

A great mid-week gift. I knew of some of them, but you wove the unusual story together well.

[@leahreposa4599]

what a fascinating video and history lesson Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you for that, Leah!

[@wightwater5656]

Very nicely done, and informative.

[@troyklinginsmith2523]

That's pretty neat Jeff that you have historical signatures of these government officials. I sent a sympathy card to President Trump when his brother Robert passed away. I wasn't expecting to hear back from President Trump, but He sent a awesome thank you letter & response on a White House letter head. I have it tucked away for safe keeping.👍🇺🇸

[@jbenziggy]

It's been a lifelong hobby of mine and I still enjoy collecting! Thanks for sharing your response from Trump!

[@vernareed2692]

I had forgotten about Ron Brown dying in a plane crash. But can't remember what was going on with him at the time,then next thing I heard about him in the plane crash, and some were talking like it was targeting him!!

[@frankmarullo228]

Good video Jeff, THANK you Frank from montana....

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate the compliment, Frank, our good fan up in Montana!

[@Vrotdu9i]

Very interesting to watch as I am involved in Aviation maintenance. As always, a good video to watch Jeff!

[@lorettatuell1986]

Love Love your Videos, thanks so much❤

[@lynnann6334]

VERY interesting! Great job Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much!

[@CarlosHerrera-oh9ec]

Great history. Thanks for sharing

[@anthonyferguson4102]

Fantastic history great video love it !!!!

[@cynditermath9118]

Such unique content. Thank you, as always, for bringing it to us.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Cyndi! I try to be unique!

[@daleslover2771]

👍👍👍 Excellent at 18:00 thanks for covering that tragic incident., I was station at Ft Bliss Texas when this happen..as a acting Platoon Sergent in a provisional unit. Surrounded by the best of the best, retired ADA Officers, and Non Coms..left us scratching our heads... How could that happen?

[@lisadieter-burns]

A couple things strike me about this video. First, you mentioned how hard it is to get a politician's response these days. Interesting to me in the days of technology, that would be the case. I wonder what the difference is . I'm sure that politicians were just as busy 40 years ago. Secondly, politicians relied so much on air travel that I am not surprised at the mortality rates. Sadly. Thanks for sharing!! 👍

[@gerrymaitland9799]

I never realized so many politicians were lost to plane crashes...

[@dano8203]

Pleasantly surprised to see a new edition today on a unpleasant part of history. I always enjoy seeing all your autographs. Thank you for your research.

[@Hawker900XP]

Great video. Adding to the risk, many politicians will except freebie flights that are less regulated.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Not a US Politician,,, and maybe not even a politician as assistant Sec at the UN, but I remember when Dag Hammarskjöld was killed in a airplane crash. HUGE Lead story on all the nightly news.

[@sasquatcho]

Thanks Jeff!

[@vonda3229]

Another fascinating although sad video Jeff. I’ve heard all these accounts down through the years but it’s good to see just how many there were and remember them. Also love your recording and editing studio, Very professional. 👍🏻

[@georgiasmalley8984]

Another interesting history vedios. Thank you.

[@privatepilot4064]

Constant speed variable pitch props are utilized to control speed. As the the name suggests, they turn basically at one speed, however the airspeed of the airplane is changed as the pitch is increased or decreased. I’m guessing that Sen. Towers plane crashed because it lost asymmetrical thrust due to one prop producing thrust and the opposite prop producing little or no thrust. This is exceptionally critical if it occurs during approach phase to landing. Thanks Jeff ! Awesome video! I remember all the these incidents. Note: You are far more likely to die in a car crash than an airplane crash compared hour to hour.

[@reginamay2767]

Hi jeff, another great history video that you put together, I enjoyed it as usual. See you again see here same time same channel.

[@peanut_trucker]

Can't wait till you open the museum! your right didn't think there was so many who died in plane crashes. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@SunshineGirlz]

Jeff, This was a treat to catch tonight's video. I too used to collect signatures or in my grade school collection was most of every NASA flight crew glossies from the 1960's.They look like new and so much details in booklets. Do you think there is an Ebay market on glossies & booklets? I'm 65 and my kids have no interest in my childhood collections. . Looking forward to Sunday morning with you & Sarah!~

[@normahird9059]

Jeff.... what a lucky day..... a well-researched video extra. Your channel is one if the three that I always follow. Thank you ❤❤❤😂😂😂

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Norma! You are always good to give us a good comment!

[@jeffs8614]

Thanks for sharing. I did not realize how many crashes involved politicians. And YES I am afraid of flying as I was once on a flight sitting next to an airplane mechanic from a major airline who told me horror stories of maintenance. safe travels.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

One more comment. I am a fan of the music of legendary musician Glenn Miller. While at a high point in his career, he joined the military during World War II. He was in a plane flying over the English Channel when it vanished and was never found. But his music lives on today.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed Jeff

[@darrelldog5]

Wow, I had no idea so many U.S. politicians died due to plane crashes through the years. Many more than I would have imagined. You have a great collection of autographs and photographs by the way...

[@Irishgip1]

Time for my “crack”😂😂. Great one sir! Thanks again for the knowledge

[@jbenziggy]

Gotta be your "crack" history dealer! LOL

[@Irishgip1]

@@jbenziggy 😂 😂 😂

[@thejimmyk]

Very interesting video!

[@terryeustice5399]

Jeff this was really good. Actually was surprised that many political figures had died in air crashes. Your the best at your research. And thank you for taking us along. ❤️👍👊

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Terry! Stay safe!

[@richs6205]

Most interesting presentation of these sad events. Bringing the facts together on these cases must have required much work. Thank you for the history lesson.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a lot of research and picture gathering!

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Jeff , lots of interesting history. Central California watching

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching, Theodore!

[@dennisrittenhouse8675]

Another great video, Jeff. I noticed an error on one of your letters you have. The letter from Earl Snell, the governor from Oregon is addressed to M. M. McMillan in Warrensburg, Maryland. Warrensburg is actually in the state of Missouri. Yeater Hall is a dormitory on the campus of University of Central Missouri which was known as Central Missouri State Teachers College in 1944. The dorm opened it’s doors in 1940. M. M. McMillian must have resided in room 366. Your letter might have gained in value.

[@orangehoof]

Very well done. You got all the ones I remembered and more. Politicians and entertainers are perhaps the most common flyers. I flew once in a small private plane and the pilot said he often flew lawyers and doctors. He said "what you do, you call a practice. There's no such thing as a practice with my job. If you screw up, maybe one person dies but if I screw up, everyone dies." I think that was his way of earning some respect.

[@Coastie1081]

Flew a lot during Coast Guard career. Figure I'd be pressing my luck now. It would be fellow passengers that cocern me most nowadays, e.g., opening doors, assaults, etc. Also amazing research. I don't see how you do so much in a short time.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks Tom! How do I do it? Lots of free time spent in front of a computer. Ha ha

[@libertyann439]

I have Paul Wellstone's autograph and photos of him at different events. I got to know him and Sheila when he was serving in the Senate. I also have photos of Ron Brown lying in repose at The Commerce Department Building in DC. It was a beautiful April day. The cherry blossoms were blooming.

[@redmesa2975]

7:34 “Uncle Ted” as my late uncle from Alaska used to say. I kind of got to meet him in 1978, while he was filming a campaign commercial for re election. We flew up to Alaska to visit my uncle & family. My cousin was a horse rider, and lent a saddle to Ted to ride a horse in the commercial. We got to go watch Ted ride thru the woods while they filmed.

[@michaeldenesyk3195]

I am surprised you skipped over US Senator Ernest Lundeen, Killed in a crash in 1940.

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, so that is not one that I came across in my research.

[@janeswitzer4713]

I think it's pronounced mickelson with a short I. Mik-el-son. My husband and I rode our bikes on the Mikelson Trail and had no idea who it was named for. Love your videos. So informative!!!

[@JetStarGirl7]

Just wanted to say hello neighbor! I’m from Modesto and came across your channel while looking for historical sites. Love your videos!

[@jbenziggy]

Hi neighbor! Glad you like watching our videos!

[@josephdupont]

Ron brown was tied in to Whitewater. With hillary clinton and he made a public statement, which was heard that he was not gonna go down alone on this thing

[@jupite1888]

Hi Jeff and Sarah l am glad you love history but its amazing that people do not not care or know what lies near them that shaped them and influenced their life and l am from Australia and love the US history which shaped so much world culture especially movies. Thanks

[@patmoritz5213]

so interesting, never even thought about politicians and air crashes

[@barbarabooth9824]

Very very interesting what a collection you have. Very interesting about Cogies Father I know he was on the Warren Commission

[@Christianministrycentral]

Great history lesson!

[@user-qp2xy5zs7r]

Thank you for making this very interesting scoop!

[@jamestakacs]

Leo Ryan was trying to get on a plane when he was murdered. BTW, loved the video and yes I do remember most of them

[@barbarabooth9824]

You always are so interesting

[@chrisyarbrough785]

You have a heck of collection guy

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! It’s a lifetime effort.

[@californiasun5866]

The only flying I ever did was while in the Army. Mostly transportation to or from my duty station. However the most enjoyable flight I was ever on when I was required to fly in a helicopter on a supply run. It was the smoothest flight I've ever had. The scariest flight was was one I wasn't aware of danger until after an east coast flight from Baltimore landed. The newspapers were plastered with stories saying the company involved had been unable to keep a plane in the air for weeks! All of us on that plane felt we were very lucky to survive being on that flight. It also showed the Army did not choose your commercial flights based on safety. I had one trans-US flight, and two trans-Atlantic flights. Once I returned to the US, to be discharged from the Army, I swore to never fly again. They say air flights are the safest form of transportation. But in a car crash you at least have some chance of surviving. And if you are the one driving, you have some chance in avoiding the accident. In an airplane crash you have very little chance of surviving. Most major airline crashes no one survives. If I can't get somewhere without flying I'm not interested in going.

[@fayfranks9512]

What struck me is how many prominent persons have been airplane casualties, then how many more people had similar deaths but were not prominent public figures.

[@Arnold-vf9cg]

Hey Jeff! I am always intrigued by your collections. I too am a collector of presidential signatures and United States history. You have some very interesting segments on here, and I am always interested in your knowledge on these segments. Stay cool & take care!

[@ZeroFoxtrotG]

I love your channel!! Keep it up!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! Will do!

[@generoberts6607]

Presentation, A+. A reminder to all to wait to worry. Stay in the moment & have a little fun each day……

[@tonyr.3435]

I'm not too worried about flying, but I've always figured if a fan belt went in a car, you pull over, if one goes on a Cessna, you're dead.

[@cameronmccreary4758]

On the 11th day of October 2003, I saw a Flying Saucer hovering over Auburn California. After seeing this Flying Saucer hovering and numerous Balls of Lights floating around that day, I have not been on an airplane since, nor do I want to go on an airplane. I also collected a strange material called "Angel Hair" that day and still have quite a bit of that material sealed off in plastic bags, waiting to be analyzed.

[@califdad4]

I thought John Heinz was from Delaware, thanks for the correction

[@unbiasedobserver]

I didn’t know anything about any of the victims. But found your video very interesting! Good job!😊

[@papa606]

Great show again. When are they going produce a show on national t.v with you as host

[@d.l.l.6578]

I often wonder how much this happens in the military and we just don’t hear about it.

[@jbenziggy]

It happens but I do hear about it on the news.