What Happened to Travis Barker Plane Crash (2008)?

The tragic event known as the Travis Barker plane crash unfolded on September 19, 2008, at Columbia Metropolitan Airport in South Carolina. Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) had just performed a show and were departing aboard a Learjet 60 private charter flight bound for Los Angeles. Shortly after midnight, during the takeoff roll on Runway 11, multiple tires failed, causing sparks to fly. The flight crew attempted to abort the takeoff, but the aircraft had already exceeded V1, the takeoff decision speed, and was traveling at a very high speed (around 150-166 mph). The Learjet overran the runway, crashed through airport barriers, crossed a highway, and slammed into an embankment before bursting into intense flames.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation determined the probable cause was due to inadequate maintenance of the Learjet's tires, which were severely underinflated, leading to multiple failures. Additionally, the NTSB cited pilot error, specifically the captain's decision to reject the takeoff after V1, which was inconsistent with training and standard operating procedures. The shredded rubber from the blown tires also damaged the plane's hydraulic system, contributing to brake failure and making it impossible for the pilots to stop the plane.

Out of the six people on board, four tragically lost their lives: the two pilots, Sarah Lemmon and James Bland, Barker's security guard Charles Still Jr., and his assistant Chris Baker. Travis Barker and DJ AM were the only survivors, miraculously escaping the burning wreckage. Both sustained critical injuries; Barker suffered third-degree burns over 65% of his body, while DJ AM also had severe burns. Barker spent 11 weeks in the hospital, undergoing over 25-30 surgeries, including numerous skin grafts, and intense physical therapy. The physical pain was immense, but the emotional and psychological toll was equally profound, leading to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor's guilt.

The aftermath of the crash had devastating long-term consequences. Barker developed a crippling fear of flying, which he maintained for 13 years, traveling internationally by bus, train, and boat to continue his music career. His friend and fellow survivor, DJ AM, struggled significantly after the crash. He was prescribed painkillers and anti-anxiety medication, which, combined with his history of addiction, led to a relapse. Less than a year after the crash, on August 28, 2009, DJ AM was found dead in his New York City apartment from an accidental drug overdose involving a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs and cocaine. Many close to him and medical experts believe the trauma of the plane crash directly contributed to his relapse and subsequent death.

For Travis Barker, the crash became a turning point in his life, prompting him to quit recreational drug use entirely. He often refers to his time in the burn center as his "rehab." After years of therapy and personal struggle, a significant breakthrough occurred in August 2021 when, with the support of his then-partner (now wife) Kourtney Kardashian, Barker flew for the first time since the accident. Since then, he has continued to fly, stating in 2023 that he had flown over 30 times, crediting Kardashian for helping him overcome his fear. As of August 2026, Barker continues to tour and perform globally with Blink-182. His journey of survival and recovery is further explored in his new documentary, "Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear," which premiered in June 2026 and became available on streaming services like Hulu and Disney+ in August 2026. In recent interviews, Barker has also shared chilling premonitions he and his daughter had before the fateful flight, highlighting the lasting impact of the trauma.