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How a Misplaced Fuel Switch Contributed to John Denver’s Tragic Death
A designer’s decision to move a critical switch and the death of a legend
On October 12, 1997, the world lost beloved musician John Denver when his experimental aircraft plunged into the waters off California’s Monterey Peninsula. While Denver’s passion for flying was well known, the circumstances surrounding his fatal crash revealed a series of tragic missteps, one of the most critical being the placement of the fuel switch in his aircraft.
A Passion for Flight, A Fatal Oversight
Denver, an experienced pilot, had recently purchased a Long-EZ, a sleek, lightweight aircraft designed for efficiency. However, this particular plane had a crucial modification: the fuel-tank-selector handle had been relocated behind the pilot’s left shoulder instead of its standard position between the legs. This seemingly minor adjustment would prove disastrous.
The Struggle to Switch Tanks
Investigators determined that Denver took off with only three gallons of fuel in his left tank and…
