John Denver died in 1997 when his experimental aircraft crashed off California’s coast. The autopsy and investigation revealed factors that combined tragically.
The Aircraft
Denver flew a Long-EZ, a homebuilt experimental design. He’d recently purchased the aircraft and was still familiarizing himself with its systems. The fuel selector valve required reaching behind the pilot – an awkward design addressed in some modifications.
Fuel System Issues
The Long-EZ’s fuel selector was difficult to reach and hard to operate. Investigators believed Denver may have been distracted trying to switch fuel tanks during flight. The airplane had low fuel in one tank.
Medical Factors
The autopsy found no drugs or alcohol in Denver’s system. His pilot medical certificate had lapsed, but this didn’t directly cause the accident. His overall health wasn’t a factor.
Investigation Findings
The NTSB concluded Denver lost control while attempting to switch fuel tanks. The distraction and difficult-to-reach selector combined fatally. The design issue had affected other Long-EZ pilots before.
Pilot Experience
Denver was an experienced pilot with over 2,700 flight hours. However, he had limited time in the Long-EZ specifically. Transitioning to unfamiliar aircraft demands caution regardless of total experience.
Lessons Learned
Know your aircraft’s systems thoroughly before pushing limits. Difficult-to-reach controls deserve attention on the ground, not airborne experimentation. Currency in type matters as much as total experience.
Legacy
Denver’s death reminded aviators that experience doesn’t eliminate risk. Even accomplished pilots die when fundamentals are neglected. The music stopped, but the lessons continue.
