John Denver, the American country and folk singer, died at age 53 in a fatal plane crash on October 12, 1997, while piloting his homebuilt Rutan Long-EZ aircraft. His death, caused by blunt force trauma, occurred when the plane crashed in Monterey Bay, California. The lyrics of his hit song 'Leaving On A Jet Plane' — 'cause I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again' — took on a haunting significance after his death.
Experienced pilot and final flight
Denver was an experienced pilot with more than 2,700 hours of flying time. He held pilot ratings for single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land, glider, and instrument. The day before his death, he had completed a half-hour checkout flight in the new plane. Prior to takeoff, he declined an opportunity to refuel, planning to fly for approximately an hour.
Final words and investigation
While piloting, fuel became problematic, and Denver lost control of the aircraft while trying to switch fuel tanks. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, Denver contacted the Monterey airport control tower seconds before the crash but gave no indication of an emergency. Safety board investigator George Petterson revealed his final words: "He was sending the transponder signal, and then his last words were, 'Do you have it now?' They saw it on the screen and tried to call him back, but his signal vanished...there had been no indication of any trouble."
It later emerged that Denver was piloting illegally due to previous drink-driving arrests. A year prior, the FAA had revoked his medical certification after a drink-driving incident, though alcohol was confirmed to have played no part in the crash.
Legacy and tribute
Denver's death prompted a candlelight vigil in Aurora, Colorado, attended by more than 2,000 people. His friends in California and The Windstar Foundation unveiled a permanent plaque near the crash site. Denver left behind three children — Zachary, Anna Kate, and Jesse Belle — among whom his estate was divided equally.
