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. "I thought they were practicing for an air show," he said. 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? 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. After proceeding through the pre-flight checklist and moving the pushback tractor, Mr Russell began rolling the plane toward a runway. He also told the controller he "wasn't really planning on landing" the aircraft, and he described himself as "just a broken guy.". I was kinda hoping that was going to be it. "We heard the jet because our windows were down while we were waiting in the ferry line to go to Anderson Island, which is adjacent to Ketron Island.". New footage shows airport worker Richard Russell steal plane and last updated 2018-08-12 08:56:01-04. Data from the flight data recorder showed there was a significant sideslip on the airplane during the last minute of the flight, but the airplane appeared to stay in control, according to the FBI report. (DAILY NEWS VIDEO) . They said it's clear Russell didn't intend to harm anyone, and "he was right in saying that there are so many people who loved him. 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. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the remains belong to Richard Russell, who took the empty Horizon Air turboprop plane from Sea-Tac Airport. 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. I hope they can make it through this.". Video from Friday showed the Horizon Air Q400 doing large loops and other dangerous maneuvers as the sun set on the Puget Sound. ", "I've got a lot of people that care about me," the man later said. One sketch that he posted included a drawing of a Q400 plane, the same kind of plane involved in Friday's crash. 2. "So, (he) had some knowledge but clearly wasn't a commercial pilot.". 7 months ago. "Here we have an employee who was vetted to the level to have access to the aircraft and had a skill set proficient enough to take off with that plane.". Investigators said Richard Russell worked alone when he was working as a ground service agent for the airline, and that he towed the turboprop out a hanger, climbed into the cockpit, and took off. Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. 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. Scroll down to continue . John Waldron was walking along a trail near the bay when he noticed the two military jets following a plane doing aerobatics. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The tower alerted the Portland Air National Guard base, which dispatched a group of US Air Force F-15s to intercept the rouge aircraft. 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. 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. "Most importantly," he said in a voiceover about his job, "I get to visit those I love most. Also see | Cockpit audio from worker who stole empty plane from Sea-Tac Airport. "You think if I land this successfully, Alaska will give me a job as a pilot?" We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known, but the F-15s did not bring the plane down, Eckrote said. New Video Shows Man Stealing Horizon Air Plane In 2018 Incident He is the author of The Plane That Wasn't There: Why We Haven't Found MH370. A blog that appeared to belong to Russell as part of a multimedia content creation class at Washington State University focused on his job on a ground service agent. Discovery Company. (AFP/Getty Images) Russell, 29, flew the plane for 75 . "Everyone was literally frozen in place, muttering about what possibly happened," he said. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Horizon airline employee, 28-year-old Richard 'Bebo' Russell, stole a plane and took off before crashing into remote Pierce County island More Videos Next up in 5 I don't know! His responsibilities included towing and pushing aircraft for takeoff and gate approach, de-icing them, and handling baggage. New video of 2018 Horizon Air plane heist at Sea-Tac | king5.com Family of man who stole, crashed plane 'stunned' - KJRH In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt. On board was 29-year-old Richard Russell, a baggage handler for Horizon Air who is also flying the plane for unknown reason. "He might have been talking to himself in the cockpit," so the voice recorder may provide additional information that wasn't recorded in radio traffic, she said. 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. [deleted] 5 yr. ago. The plane didn't require a key, but it did require buttons and switches to be activated in a particular order. We deliver the best in breaking news, live video coverage, original journalism and segments from your favorite NBC News Shows.Connect with NBC News Online!NBC News App: https://smart.link/5d0cd9df61b80Breaking News Alerts: https://link.nbcnews.com/join/5cj/breaking-news-signup?cid=sm_npd_nn_yt_bn-clip_190621Visit NBCNews.Com: http://nbcnews.to/ReadNBCFind NBC News on Facebook: http://nbcnews.to/LikeNBCFollow NBC News on Twitter: http://nbcnews.to/FollowNBC#Surveillance #Horizonair #hijacking "Russell had a few unexcused absences, but nothing considered significant.". "Oh man. Im coming home! But it was not to be. 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. Richard Russell said he didn't need much help: 'I've played some video By Louis Lucero II and Melissa Gomez. 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. A ground service agent's tasks don't involve touching planes' controls, CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo said. May 25, 2003. The incident is bizarre and tragic, but it is not unprecedented. "It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did thisJust a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess.". Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. 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,. The Pierce County Medical Examiners Office has confirmed the remains belong to Richard Russell, who took the empty Horizon Air turboprop plane from Sea-Tac Airport. Those guys will rough me up if I try and land there," the man responded, later adding, "This is probably jail time for life, huh? I've played some video games before, he said. An air traffic controller called him "Rich," and tried to convince him to land the airplane. 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 King County medical examiner ruled his death a suicide. Four years ago, a 29-year-old man named Richard Russell managed to steal an Alaskan Airlines turboprop plane from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. 4.3M views 7 months ago A newly released video sheds new light on the moments leading up to Richard Russell crashing a plane. Please enter valid email address to continue. In a humorous YouTube video he posted last year, he talked about his job and included videos and photos of his travels. "The greatest threat we have to aviation is the insider threat," said Erroll Southers, a former FBI agent and transportation security expert. He eventually climbs inside the cockpit and fires up the engine. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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. Aug. 12, 2018. All Rights Reserved. It was a strange day when Horizon Airlines Employee Richard "Beebo" Russell stole a plane in the middle of his working shift.
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.
. Worker who stole plane and crashed identified, See stolen plane flying moments before crash, Co-worker of man who stole plane speaks out, Official: Man taxied plane before stealing it, Airline worker's family releases statement, Airline issues statement after Seattle crash, Witness: Thought Air Force was practicing for show. I don't know, man! Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. The black boxes are now being sent to the National Transportation Safety Board for processing. In a final video project set to cheery music, Russell included selfies from airport . While investigators concluded Russell intentionally crash the plane, his motive still remains a mystery. On his Facebook page, which had limited public access, he said he was from Wasilla, Alaska; lived in Sumner, Washington; and was married in 2012. It was empty, parked at a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport cargo and . 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. 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. 2023 Cable News Network. It seemed like such miserable work and I never could imagine why anyone would want to subject themselves to all the constant noise, gas fumes, and heavy lifting. 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. Witnesses described the surreal scene after the plane left the airport. 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 2018 Horizon Air Q400 incident - Wikipedia Now let's land that airplane safely and don't hurt anybody on the ground," the helping pilot radios. 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. He left prison after less than 5 years, on parole. What happened from then, left a. "If you're going to access the aircraft you make sure that you check with someone else, and that someone else (will confirm) that you have the right authority to get onto that aircraft.". 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. Alaska Airlines flight 261 took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on the morning of August 10, 2018. They said it's not clear whether he had ever taken flight lessons or used flight simulators, or where he gained the skills to take off. All rights reserved. Not long before the crash, a pilot who'd been helping controllers advise Russell appears to mention the maneuver. Investigators "did not identify any information that would suggest the theft of the aircraft was related to wider criminal activity or terrorist ideology," according to a summary of the FBI report. Padilla and an a recently hired assistant boarded the plane, taxied it to the runway, took off, and head out over the Atlantic Ocean. / CBS/AP. 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. Richard Russell Plane Crash Video Explained The plane had been parked in a maintenance area and was not scheduled for a passenger flight, Tilden said. Richard Russell: 'Heartbroken' family of Seattle airline employee - CNN But could you start a left-hand turn, please?". Despite the timing of the crash during prime fire season, the fires in the video seemed to be small and scattered. Officials don't believe Russell had a pilot's license, and they don't know how he knew to fly the plane. Plus we let you know whats going on locally with Lee Callahans Jacktivities! Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. The Sky Thief Richard Russell Plane Crash Video Gone Viral: What "We are devastated by these events, and Jesus is truly the only one holding this family together right now. A Warner Bros. Relatives of Richard Russell say they are "stunned and heartbroken" after the airline worker stole a passenger plane Friday from the Seattle-Tacoma . Russell's family said in a statement that they were stunned and heartbroken. Richard Russell Plane Crash Video From Seattle | Heavy.com Man who took Horizon Air plane from Sea-Tac Airport was quiet, well "My husband and I are recently former Boeing employees, and we were wondering why a jet was near the passenger airplane," she said. Security footage shows man stealing plane he later crashed into a I mean, I would hope it is, for a guy like me. 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. August 22, 1979. 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Win Tickets to KISS at Climate Pledge Arena on November 6, 2023. An hour and 45 minutes into the flight, Meyer crashed into the English Channel. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The FBI also said it found human remains among the wreckage. Moore stole (or stole and crashed) multiple airplanes, multiple boats, dozens of cars, etc. 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. He was killed in the crash. So many bags," he said. "I lift a lot of bags. NORAD scrambled two F-15 to try to shepherd Russell away from populated areas of Seattle, but at 8:46 PM, Russell crashed the plane into an uninhabited part of Ketron Island in Puget Sound. Richard Russell: Authorities don't believe man who stole Dash-8 Q400 Tragic as Russell's death was, he could have inflicted vastly more damage had he been so inclined. Meyer had recently been passed over for promotion and had been arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. "There is a protocol to not allow anyone singularly to get onboard an aircraft," Soucie said. That's just not safe.". Ultimately the FBI determined that Mr Russell intentionally brought the airplane into a dive onto a small island in Puget Sound, where he died. ", Referring to audio recordings of Russell talking to air traffic control during his hour-long flight, the statement said his "intent was not to harm anyone. 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. Lee Callahan in the morning, and the No Repeat Workday while you work! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Russell was credentialed to be in secure areas at the airport, said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group, which owns Horizon Air. He was in the air for about an hour. Also see | Stolen plane narrowly missed family inside Ketron Island cabin. He said flying was a "blast" and that he didn't need much help: "I've played some video games before.". In a statement, the family says Richard Russell, whose nickname was "Beebo," was warm, kind and gentle. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. A 777 Nearly Plunged Into the Ocean After Takeoff, In audio recordings released over the internet, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. He passed a series of background checks to gain his position, as he didn't have any criminal convictions. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Sunday that Russell had died in the fiery wreckage, but whether the crash was deliberate or accidental was one of several topics remaining for investigators. Newly-released videos from the Port of Seattle show the moments leading up to an airport worker crashing a stolen airplane nearly four years ago. Each Thursday Ticket Takeover we giveaway prizes all day for different concerts, events, and more! He's worked at Horizon longer than I did, and he still wasn't making $15 an hour, Reeves said. 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. While searching the crash site, investigators also located human remains among the aircraft materials. A curious and ultimately tragic story from 2018 finally has a little more context, thanks to security camera footage. "Tower, you need to call and scramble now," one Alaska Air pilot called out. New video shows fiery scene of stolen plane crash on Ketron Island Within minutes of the plane's takeoff, the military scrambled two armed F-15 jets from Oregon to follow it, according to local and airline authorities and two sources with knowledge of the situation. Russell echoed those claims in his last conversation with air traffic control. Playing What We Want In Seattle! Authorities sent fighter jets to escort him, and the controller repeatedly tried to direct him to runways. Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. July 4, 1986. He was immediately killed. The footage shows him going through security wearing a T-shirt. That includes both domestic and international flights. The Associated Press contributed to this report. .css-v1xtj3{display:block;font-family:FreightSansW01,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:100;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-v1xtj3:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.1387rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-v1xtj3{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-top:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}A 777 Nearly Plunged Into the Ocean After Takeoff, Sudden FAA Failure Grounds U.S. Just a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess. The man has been identified as Richard Russell, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN on Saturday night. "In this plane, he certainly knew how to retract the landing gear, he coordinated both engines, powered them up to get a coordinated takeoff," she said. When Rolling Stone published its article last year, no major regulatory or security changes had been implemented in response to Russells deadly flight. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Human remains were found in wake of Friday's tragic plane crash. Also see | 'I was blown away': Stepbrother of man who stole plane speaks out. among other things. Jason Silverstein contributed to this report. CCTV Footage Shows Baggage Handler Stealing Plane, Crashes On Island - TMZ "It seemed like he was well liked by the other workers. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Never really knew it until now.". Weve got the Weekend Ticket Takeover! . The sheriff's department described Russell as suicidal. New video shows crash site of stolen plane. "He was a quiet guy," Rick Christenson, an operational supervisor with the airline who retired in Maytold The Seattle Times. Richard Russell: Man who stole SeaTac plane was warm and compassionate Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Please dont hesitate to utilize this resource. Family and friends try to reconcile Richard Russell's action with the For one, Russell shouldn't have been able to board the plane alone, he said.