Director Killed in Crash While Filming ‘Dangerous Flights’

** John Driftmier (Handout photo courtesy of
Pixcom Productions)**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Canadian TV director John Driftmier was killed in an airplane crash in Kenya while filming the second season of Discovery Channel's "Dangerous Flights."
  • The accident, which also killed the pilot, occurred during production for a show that features fliers undertaking high-risk aircraft deliveries to remote areas.
  • This incident marks the second fatal crash during filming for the Discovery Channel, following a separate deadly helicopter crash in Los Angeles during the production of another reality TV show.
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Canadian TV director John Driftmier was killed on Sunday in an airplane crash while filming the second season of “Dangerous Flights,” a reality program for the Discovery Channel that follows fliers as they “risk their lives in the high-danger, high-stress business of aircraft delivery.”

While little is known about the crash, it reportedly took place in Kenya while Driftmier, 30, was shooting aerial footage for the show. The pilot was also killed in the accident.

According to the Discovery Channel, the show follows six American fliers as they deliver aircraft to remote areas of the world. On its website, it says, “Every episode flies directly into new and dangerous territory — a wild west of the skies where even the smallest mistake can exact the ultimate price.”

Driftmier’s career also included work on “Highway Thru Hell” and “License to Drill.”

The fatal accident comes on the heels of a deadly Bell 206 crash in Los Angeles, which occurred during the shooting of a military-themed reality TV show for the Discovery Channel. All three men aboard were killed in the accident.

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