Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, On the day of his tragic flight, Mr Russell wore a shirt that said The Sky is No Limit, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, Air Traffic Control audio reveals conversation with man who stole Alaska Airlines plane. Please dont hesitate to utilize this resource. Its not yet known exactly what pre-existing psychological conditions Russell may have had, but in the course of his conversation with air traffic controllers he expresses racial resentment. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The plane eventually crashed on sparsely populated Ketron Island, starting a fire in the woods but injuring no one outside the plane. New footage released by the Port of Seattle shows Mr Russell who worked as a baggage handler at the airport preparing the plane for takeoff. Foote was an experienced glider pilot and had undergone 100 hours of simulator flying in the Skyhawk and had hoped to become a military pilot before his ambitions were derailed by health issues. All rights reserved. You know?". The U.S. National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is online 24/7 to help you in a time of depression or desperation. Moore stole (or stole and crashed) multiple airplanes, multiple boats, dozens of cars, etc. I hope they can make it through this.". The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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His family says it's clear he didn't mean to harm anyone. In audio recordings released over the internet, Russell can be heard chatting in an upbeat, enthusiastic tone with the air traffic controllers trying to talk him down. The job of a ground service agent includes directing aircraft for takeoff and gate approach, handling baggage and tidying and de-icing planes, authorities said. Win Tickets to Weezer with Spoon and White Reaper at White River Amphitheater on August 20th! The rest of Mr Russell's time in the air was well documented, thanks to his regular contact with SeaTac's tower. He had no purpose to be at that plane Friday evening "other than what he did do," Tilden said. There were no passengers aboard. Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. Earlier in the flight, Russell says: "This is probably, like, jail time for life, huh? Russell took the Q400 from a cargo area at the north end of Sea-Tac Airport on August 10. NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead, Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico, stole an airplane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Investigators work to determine how a man was able to pilot a stolen plane. Russell responds: "Awwww-right. Worlds Largest Passenger Aircraft Will Fly Again, Russia May Use Military Aircraft for Civilians, A Livestream of Planes Trying to Land at Heathrow, Why a New 5G Rollout Is Making Airlines Nervous, The Complicated History of the Very First Flight, The VTOL Future of Flight That Never Took Off. They pursued the aircraft before it went down on Ketron Island, between Tacoma and Olympia. New surveillance. But could you start a left-hand turn, please?". video Plane crashes near Seattle airport. Richard Russell died in Friday's plane crash. First published on August 11, 2018 / 4:48 PM. "It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did thisJust a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess.". strangest, scariest, most bizarre events of 2018. I feel really bad for Richard and for his family. Neither the men nor the plane has ever been seen again. Video from Friday showed the Horizon Air Q400 doing large loops and other dangerous maneuvers as the sun set on the Puget Sound. (AFP/Getty Images) Russell, 29, flew the plane for 75 . "I lift a lot of bags. Russell had no piloting experience, but he managed . At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case, Officials say man who stole plane was suicidal. Richard Russell: Details emerge of a 'compassionate' man after Seattle plane heist and fiery crash By Alex Horton August 13, 2018 at 8:01 a.m. EDT A Horizon Air employee described as. It was empty, parked at a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport cargo and maintenance area for the night after arriving from Victoria, British Columbia, earlier in the day. Late Friday, a Horizon Air employee believed to be Russell stole an empty turboprop plane, took off from SeaTac and crashed on Ketron Island, a small island in the Puget Sound that is home to about two dozen residents. Onlooker John Waldron took video that shows the plane rolling inverted at low altitude, then pulling into a half-loop in a aerobatic high-g maneuver called a split S. Whether through skill or luck, Russell managed to pull the plane out of its rapid descent just above the wave tops. Ah, dammit. An air traffic controller called him "Rich," and tried to convince him to land the airplane. Surveillance footage obtained by KOMO shows 28-year-old Richard Russell using a tow vehicle to pull a Horizon Air Q400 aircraft onto the tarmac before climbing into the cockpit on August 10, 2018. Richard Russell, 29, can be seen at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport driving a pushback tractor with an Alaska Air turboprop attached. I don't know! 7 months ago. New video released Wednesday shows what first responders found after a plane stolen from Sea-Tac Airport crashed on a south Puget Sound island last August. That's just not safe.". Tragic as Russell's death was, he could have inflicted vastly more damage had he been so inclined. But the plane slammed into tiny Ketron Island, a sparsely populated island southwest of Tacoma. "Most importantly," he said in a voiceover about his job, "I get to visit those I love most. Mr Russell was at times jovial at one point he assured SeaTac's tower that he didn't need help controlling the airplane because he had played some video games and questioned if it could do a backflip and was at others melancholic. "Yeah, he knew how to fly," she continued. "He was getting really stressed about the financial situation he was in. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Im coming home! But it was not to be. The incident is bizarre and tragic, but it is not unprecedented. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Authorities said Russell did not have a pilot's license. He did not survive the crash. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Author: Elisa Hahn Published: 11/14/2018 5:51:22 PM "This is a complete shock to us," the family said in a statement Saturday night. "Last night's event is going to push us to learn what we can from this tragedy so that we can ensure this does not happen again at Alaska Air Group or at any other airline," Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Airlines, told a news conference Saturday. . SEATTLE -- He cracked jokes, complimented the professional demeanor of an air traffic controller and apologized for making a fuss. "Seattle Ground, Horizon Guy. He was right in saying that there are so many people who have loved him.". Even with this new footage at hand, its hard to figure out what made Russell embark on this brazen, fatal adventure. Russell was "tow certified" and had full security access, and had been with the company for three and a half years, CBS News' Jamie Yuccas reports. August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM That includes both domestic and international flights. With its premium plus plan, youll be able to browse flight deals going for up to 90% off in business, premium economy, and economy class. Horizon airline employee, 28-year-old Richard 'Bebo' Russell, stole a plane and took off before crashing into remote Pierce County island In a statement, the family says Richard Russell, whose nickname was "Beebo," was warm, kind and gentle. If you miss out on Thursday, no worries! CNN's Kyung Lah reports. Russell echoed those claims in his last conversation with air traffic control. Winter Weather Advisory expires for much of western Washington, Intertribal comedy sketch troupe performs 'Between Two Knees' at Seattle Rep, plane stolen from Sea-Tac Airport crashed, Stolen plane narrowly missed family inside Ketron Island cabin, released the findings of its investigation, Cockpit audio from worker who stole empty plane from Sea-Tac Airport, 'I was blown away': Stepbrother of man who stole plane speaks out. In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt. The man has been identified as Richard Russell, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN on Saturday night. Nah, Im a white guy.. "I would like to apologize to each and every one of them. Like a lot of bags. FBI released more information about Russell and the incident earlier this year, including witness statements from family, friends, and co-workers. ", "Well," a controller responds, "we're not going to worry or think about that. President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident and is monitoring the situation, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Saturday morning. Later that day he stole an Alaska Air turboprop aircraft and crashed it into a remote island in Puget Sound. Surveillance footage obtained by KOMO shows 28-year-old Richard Russell using a tow vehicle to pull a Horizon Air Q400 aircraft onto the tarmac before climbing into the cockpit on August 10, 2018. A ground service agent's tasks don't involve touching planes' controls, CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo said. KINGs Madison Wade reports. Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC Watch more NBC video: http://bit.ly/MoreNBCNewsNBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compelling, diverse and engaging news stories. "You think if I land this successfully, Alaska will give me a job as a pilot?" Potential targets included tens of thousands of fans assembling at Safeco Field, about 12 miles away, for a sold-out Pearl Jam concert just as he took off. Cooper? His 75-minute flight during the golden twilight took him south and west, toward the Olympic Mountains. The Q400 is a turboprop aircraft with 76 seats. The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known, but the F-15s did not bring the plane down, Eckrote said. It wasn't immediately clear what training, if any, Russell had in flying planes. Marine Corps lance corporal Howard A. Foote, Jr. stole an A-4M Skyhawk ground attack jet from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro and took it on a 45-minute aerobatic joyride before returning to base and landing safely. Video from a witness on the ground shows the plane at one point pulling up for a loop, putting the aircraft upside-down and then pulling back up just feet above a body of water. "Congratulations. Discovery Company. Officials don't believe Russell had a pilot's license, and they don't know how he knew to fly the plane. Foote served four and a half months in the brig and later went on to become a test pilot in civilian life. August 11, 2018 / 11:29 PM "He worked his shift yesterday, we believe he was in uniform, his job is to be around airplanes," said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group, which owns Horizon Air. The reason I left is in February of 2016 they were short staffed and they had me run three planes in the same time, Reeves said. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Meyer had recently been passed over for promotion and had been arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. An hour and 45 minutes into the flight, Meyer crashed into the English Channel. Relatives of Richard Russell say they are "stunned and heartbroken" after the airline worker stole a passenger plane Friday from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and was killed when he crashed 25 miles away. One sketch that he posted included a drawing of a Q400 plane, the same kind of plane involved in Friday's crash. KIRO 7 spoke with Russells friend and former co-worker Robert Reeves who said Russell was a hard worker who loved aviation, but he admits Russell was unhappy with his pay. KIRO 7 News Seattle facebook feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle twitter feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle youtube feed(Opens a new window), Who was Richard Russell? Music from Green Day, Michael Jackson, Queen, Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Madonna, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, and more! Now let's land that airplane safely and don't hurt anybody on the ground," the helping pilot radios. "We are devastated by these events, and Jesus is truly the only one holding this family together right now. In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt that says "The Sky's No Limit." As he flew the stolen 76-seat passenger plane above the Seattle area for nearly an hour on Friday night, Richard B. Russell was asked by an air . Now, nearly four years after the event, authorities have released new video footage showing how 28-year-old Russell who went by the nickname "Beebo" got through. Jason Silverstein contributed to this report. What happened from then, left a. Could 3 Particles on a Tie Lead Us to D.B. Newly released CCTV footage shows airport employee Richard Russell stealing an Alaska Airlines plane before fatally crashing it into a Washington island, the New York Post reports. Amazingly, despite the unprecedented nature of this deadly feat, and the fact that it could have easily become a mass casualty event, Russells flight and fatal crash seemed to hardly make a splash in the national news. As a flight controller tried to persuade him to land, he wondered aloud about whether he had enough fuel to make it to the Olympics, talked of the beautiful view, and said he had a lot of people who cared about him, apologizing for what he was doing. Relatives of Richard Russell say they are "stunned and heartbroken" after the airline worker stole a passenger plane Friday from the Seattle-Tacoma . he joked. Newly-obtained surveillance video from 2018 shows how Richard Russell, then a Horizon Ground service agent with no pilot experience, successfully stole the plane before crashing to his. What followed was a 73-minute joyride during which Richard Beebo Russell had a surprisingly candid conversation with air-traffic controllers as he pushed the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 twin-engine plane through some daring acrobatic moves. Please enter valid email address to continue. After Russell performed an unauthorized takeoff, two McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighters were scrambled to intercept the aircraft. An FBI investigation found Alaska Airlines ramp employee Richard Russell intentionally crashed the aircraft after flying for more than an hour. ", The statement said Russell, 29, was "a faithful husband, a loving son and a good friend. Siddiq Saunderson Moved to L.A. and Immediately Bought a Prius, Millennials and Zillennials Can't Get Enough of Manual Transmissions, Dollar Flight Club Premium Plus (Lifetime Subscription), Tesla Investor Day 2023 Was Pretty Great if You Ignored Elon. Investigators headed Saturday to the crash site to recover the plane's data recorders and Russell's remains as part of a criminal probe, authorities said. [deleted] 5 yr. ago. The FBI released the findings of its investigation earlier this week, concluding 28-year-old ramp agent Richard Russell, also known as Bebo, stole the Horizon airplane and intentionally crashed it into the south end of Ketron Island. Video released to KOMO News from the Port of Seattle capture the final moments of Richard Russell who took a Horizon Air plane from SeaTac Airport without authorization, performed acrobatic. Richard Russell Posted a Video on YouTube About Being a Baggage Handler Play VideoVideo related to richard russell, 'rich': 5 fast facts you need to know 2018-08-11T15:04:15-04:00 In a. Human remains were found in wake of Friday's tragic plane crash. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. "My husband and I are recently former Boeing employees, and we were wondering why a jet was near the passenger airplane," she said. Every time I traveled I would look out my plane window and see these sullen looking individuals leisurely pacing around, or hectically throwing bags into a cart. July 13, 1994. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case, FBI probes how airline employee stole plane, FBI investigating how airline employee stole plane before crashing, New details emerge about employee who stole, crashed airplane, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead, Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico, someone can simply take a passenger plane from a major U.S. airport without authorization, push us to learn what we can from this tragedy. Jeff Wise is a New York-based science journalist specializing in aviation and psychology. Despite the timing of the crash during prime fire season, the fires in the video seemed to be small and scattered. I don't know, man! Without communicating to air traffic controllers, he cut off another airplane and then managed to get the plane onto the runway and airborne. "It seemed like he was well liked by the other workers. Richard Russell was a suicidal airport ground services worker who stole an airplane from Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle, Washington, and took it on a dramatic unauthorized flight,. Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. He said flying was a "blast" and that he didn't need much help: "I've played some video games before.". Maybe that will grease some gears with the higher up, Russell said to air traffic controllers. New video shows the crash site and blogging made by Richard Russell, the airline worker who stole and crashed a plane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The sky thief Richard Russell captivated the audience's attention after the Authorities at the Port of Seattle released an airport surveillance video of plane stealing. A beautifully-written Rolling Stone article published in summer of 2021 tells the story of Russells life up to the moment he towed the plane onto the runway and hopped in the cockpit, attempting to find meaning or motive to help explain why this goofy, God-fearing baggage handler decided to steal a plane he likely knew he couldnt successfully land. John Waldron was walking along a trail near the bay when he noticed the two military jets following a plane doing aerobatics. The sheriff's department described Russell as suicidal. Plus we let you know whats going on locally with Lee Callahans Jacktivities! He is the author of The Plane That Wasn't There: Why We Haven't Found MH370. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. A fter 29-year-old airline employee Richard B. Russell stole a plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday night and crashed it into Ketron Island in Puget Sound, questions remain. The newly published video, coupled with Rolling Stones detailed reconstruction of the events of August 10, 2018, paint the picture of a cheerful, gregarious fellow. He passed a series of background checks to gain his position, as he didn't have any criminal convictions. Newly-obtained surveillance video from 2018 shows how Richard Russell, then a Horizon Ground service agent with no pilot experience, successfully stole the plane before crashing to his death. Horizon's parent company, Alaska Airlines, refused to comment on claims of workers being overworked or underpaid. "I always felt bad for the guys and gals who handled luggage. For one, Russell shouldn't have been able to board the plane alone, he said. New video shows the crash site and blogging made by Richard Russell, the airline worker who stole and crashed a plane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. According to his Facebook page, which had limited public access, he was from Wasilla, Alaska, and lived in Sumner, Washington, and was married in 2012. Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com, Multiple western Washington residents indicted in connection to coast-to-coast drug ring, Bank accidentally left unlocked in Fresno, police say, Powerball jackpot winner identified as longtime Boeing employee, Officials: Mother identified as shooter in murder-suicide in Ohio, Court finds Federal Way gun store in contempt of court. It did not elaborate. Russell, a 3-1/2-year Horizon employee, worked as a ground service agent. In a humorous YouTube video he posted last year, he talked about his job and included videos and photos of his various travels. So many bags," he said. While investigators concluded Russell intentionally crash the plane, his motive still remains a mystery. "I thought they were practicing for an air show," he said. Russell was recorded having multiple conversations with air traffic controllers who were trying to talk him into landing. . Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Reeves said he left Horizon because workers are overworked and underpaid. New video shows crash site of stolen plane 02:22 CNN Richard Russell was a funny, gentle and hardworking man, said family and a colleague of the airline employee who stole a passenger. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. But the friendly tone of a 29-year-old airport worker who stole a commercial plane Friday night, performing acrobatic stunts before a fatal plunge into a thick island forest, belied his desperate actions. It was one of the strangest, scariest, most bizarre events of 2018: A baggage handler at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport moseyed onto the tarmac, hopped in an unoccupied Horizon Air passenger plane, taxied to an empty runway, and took off. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Photos show first responders that night sleeping outside on the ground. Copyright 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. "There is a protocol to not allow anyone singularly to get onboard an aircraft," Soucie said. The FBI also said it found human remains among the wreckage. The 76-seat Horizon Air turboprop plane took off without authorization at 7:32 p.m. local time Friday, with Russell, who was not a pilot, at the controls, officials said. video Plane crashes near Seattle airport. Newly released video shows the fiery scene firefighters encountered after an airplane stolen from Sea-Tac Airport crashed on Ketron Island. "NORAD fighters did not fire upon the aircraft," North American Aerospace Defense Command said Saturday morning in a news release. The Seattle FBI office said Sunday that it had recovered the flight data recorder and components of the cockpit voice recorder from the Horizon plane. Russell, who was a ground services employee for Horizon Air, sat in the plane's cockpit for nearly an hour and a half before the unauthorized takeoff. Hell of a crime spree for a 19 year old. and last updated 2018-08-12 08:56:01-04. the moments leading up to an airport worker crashing a stolen airplane, FBI released more information about Russell and the incident, employees and family didn't notice anything wrong, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In a humorous YouTube video he posted last year, he talked about his job and included videos and photos of his travels. "I think I'm going to try to do a barrel roll, and if that goes good I'll go nose down and call it a night," Richard Russell said from the cockpit, according to a recording of his conversation with the controller. Never really knew it until now.". I mean, I would hope it is, for a guy like me. During an exchange with air traffic controllers, Russell mentioned he had some experience using flight simulator software. Also see | Stolen plane narrowly missed family inside Ketron Island cabin. Russell took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 7.32pm on Friday and flew, tailed by F-15 Eagle jets, until the plane crashed at 8.47pm into Ketron Island, located 25 miles. Did you encounter any technical issues? The plane was a Q400, a Bombardier turboprop plane, one of about 40 the airline has in its fleet. Richard Russell, 29, walks through employee security screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In fact, there have been a number of occurrences in recent decades in which ground personnel made off with aircraft. Others include how, nearly 17 years after the 9/11 attack, someone can simply take a passenger plane from a major U.S. airport without authorization. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. May 25, 2003.

An airline employee stole an otherwise unoccupied passenger plane Friday from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and flew it for an hour with military jets chasing him before crashing in a wooded area 40 miles away.

. Witnesses described the surreal scene after the plane left the airport. Russell, 29 is presumed dead.