7-Year-Old Pilot's Attempt at World Record Ends in Tragic Plane Crash
On April 11, 1996, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of 7-year-old Jessica Dubroff, her father Lloyd Dubroff, and their pilot-instructor Joe Reid. Jessica was attempting to become the youngest person to fly across the United States. The journey, which began on April 10 from Half Moon Bay, California, was intended to conclude in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Despite having logged 33 hours of flight time, Jessica was considered a 'pilot trainee' as she did not possess an FAA medical or pilot certificate. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Cheyenne Airport, Wyoming, in adverse weather conditions including wind, sleet, and thunderstorms. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later reported that the decision to take off in such conditions, along with the plane being overweight, contributed to the crash.