"Yeah, he knew how to fly," she continued. Relatives of Richard Russell say they are "stunned and heartbroken" after the airline worker stole a passenger plane Friday from the Seattle-Tacoma . 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. 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. Domestic Flights, Airplane Door Rips Open Midflight on Russian Plane, Airport Worker Ingested Into Jet Engine, Dies, The Concorde Disaster, Battle Tanks, and More. 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. He had no purpose to be at that plane Friday evening "other than what he did do," Tilden 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. The plane had been parked in a maintenance area and was not scheduled for a passenger flight, Tilden said. "The FBI is going to be thorough, which means taking the time needed to scour the area, delve into the background of the individual believed responsible for Friday night's incident, and review every aspect with all appropriate public and private partners," the FBI's Seattle office tweeted Saturday afternoon. Im coming home! But it was not to be. The black boxes are now being sent to the National Transportation Safety Board for processing. 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. On Friday, Horizon Air ground service agent .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Richard B. Russell got in one of the airlines Bombardier Q400 aircraft and took off from Seattles SeaTac Airport. Russell was recorded having multiple conversations with air traffic controllers who were trying to talk him into landing. 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. "My husband and I are recently former Boeing employees, and we were wondering why a jet was near the passenger airplane," she said. For one, Russell shouldn't have been able to board the plane alone, he said. he joked. New video shows crash site of stolen plane. 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,. 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. 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. But could you start a left-hand turn, please?". Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. I mean, I would hope it is, for a guy like me. Lee Callahan in the morning, and the No Repeat Workday while you work! .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. May 23, 1969. 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. The plane was a Bombardier Q400, a turboprop that seats 76 people, owned by Horizon Air, part of Alaska Airlines. 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. Russell responds: "Awwww-right. The agency says the 28-year-old's loved ones hosted an intervention for him, who "seemed fine" besides increased drinking. Jason Silverstein contributed to this report. "Most importantly," he said in a voiceover about his job, "I get to visit those I love most. "We are devastated by these events, and Jesus is truly the only one holding this family together right now. 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. 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. Besides his other duties, he was qualified to tow aircraft, said Gary Beck, Horizon Air's president and chief executive officer. The perpetrator, 29-year-old Richard Russell, was a Horizon Air ground service agent with no piloting experience. An hour and 45 minutes into the flight, Meyer crashed into the English Channel. Author: Elisa Hahn Published: 11/14/2018 5:51:22 PM Richard Russell died in Friday's plane crash. 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. He was right in saying that there are so many people who have loved him.". 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. The incident, which the FBI's Seattle office did not consider terrorism, raises questions about airport security. While investigators concluded Russell intentionally crash the plane, his motive still remains a mystery. 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. Find flight for cheapWith its premium plus plan, youll be able to browse flight deals going for up to 90% off in business, premium economy, and economy class. ", "I've got a lot of people that care about me," the man later said. President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident and is monitoring the situation, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Saturday morning. Cooper? 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. 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. ", 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. His responsibilities included towing and pushing aircraft for takeoff and gate approach, de-icing them, and handling baggage. Enter for your chance to win a visit to the Disneyland Resort with 96.5 JACK FM! An FBI investigation found Alaska Airlines ramp employee Richard Russell intentionally crashed the aircraft after flying for more than an hour. 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. Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. July 13, 1994. "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.". Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. "I always felt bad for the guys and gals who handled luggage. SEATAC, Wash. - It was a shocking scene above the Puget Sound, as Horizon Airlines employee Richard Russell stole and flew a turboprop from Sea-Tac Airport while air traffic tried to talk him . "A couple of the turns, it looked like what we call in basic flight training a 'coordinated turn,' meaning that he not only used the yoke but you also coordinate with the rudders and you do the turns. Join the Celebration of a Lifetime! Officials don't believe Russell had a pilot's license, and they don't know how he knew to fly the plane. It did not elaborate. If you miss out on Thursday, no worries! I've played some video games before," Russell responds. ", "I've got a lot of people that care about me, and it's going to disappoint them to hear that I did this," Russell says. Ah, dammit. After proceeding through the pre-flight checklist and moving the pushback tractor, Mr Russell began rolling the plane toward a runway. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt. What was the richard russell plane crash story all about. "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. Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. Richard Russell, 29, can be seen at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport driving a pushback tractor with an Alaska Air turboprop attached. Video from Friday showed the Horizon Air Q400 doing large loops and other dangerous maneuvers as the sun set on the Puget Sound. By Louis Lucero II and Melissa Gomez. An FBI investigation found Alaska Airlines ramp employee Richard Russell intentionally crashed the aircraft after flying for more than an hour. Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. May 25, 2003. 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. He was immediately killed. You did that. July 4, 1986. 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. His 75-minute flight during the golden twilight took him south and west, toward the Olympic Mountains. NBC News Digital features NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, Nightly News, Meet the Press, Dateline, and the existing apps and digital extensions of these respective properties. 7 months ago. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? He's worked at Horizon longer than I did, and he still wasn't making $15 an hour, Reeves said. It's unclear exactly what Mr Russell is doing during this time, but he eventually takes control of a pushback tug and readies the Alaska Air plane for takeoff. 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 . "Everyone was literally frozen in place, muttering about what possibly happened," he said. The man has been identified as Richard Russell, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN on Saturday night. Win Tickets to Weezer with Spoon and White Reaper at White River Amphitheater on August 20th! I was kinda hoping that was going to be it. 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. In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt that says "The Sky's No Limit." 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. Tragic as Russell's death was, he could have inflicted vastly more damage had he been so inclined. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! He left prison after less than 5 years, on parole. He was killed in the crash. The man has been identified as Richard Russell, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN on Saturday night. Human remains were found in wake of Friday's tragic plane crash. Russell repeatedly says he would do a roll. "I never thought I would work as a Ground Service Agent (GSA) for an Airlines company," he wrote in a blog post in September 2017. Scroll down to continue . 2023 Cox Media Group. We may earn a commission from links on this page. "It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did thisJust a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess.". He said flying was a "blast" and that he didn't need much help: "I've played some video games before.". Horizon airline employee, 28-year-old Richard 'Bebo' Russell, stole a plane and took off before crashing into remote Pierce County island Witnesses described the surreal scene after the plane left the airport. 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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Russell echoed those claims in his last conversation with air traffic control. Photos show first responders that night sleeping outside on the ground. 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. CNN's Kyung Lah reports. August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM The Q400 is a turboprop aircraft with 76 seats. Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. The whole saga took place late on a Friday night in the west-coast time zone; by Monday morning, the constant news churn of the middle years of the Trump presidency seemed to have pushed any follow-up coverage of the Horizon Air crash out of the headlines. Could 3 Particles on a Tie Lead Us to D.B. He did not survive the crash. 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. Russell flew the plane for over an hour before crashing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. strangest, scariest, most bizarre events of 2018. 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. "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.". The plane eventually crashed on sparsely populated Ketron Island, starting a fire in the woods but injuring no one outside the plane. 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. The incident came about when a 29-year-old man stole an aircraft from Seattle-Tacoma International airport in August 2018. "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. "I lift a lot of bags. Authorities said Russell did not have a pilot's license. 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. 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. Richard "Beebo" Russell, the Horizon Air employee who stole a plane from Sea-Tac Airport on Friday night, performed midair acrobatics over Puget Sound and then crashed into an island, was an. "He was getting really stressed about the financial situation he was in. 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. About to take off. You know?". "Russell had a few unexcused absences, but nothing considered significant.". The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known, but the F-15s did not bring the plane down, Eckrote said. Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. (AFP/Getty Images) Russell, 29, flew the plane for 75 . The plane was a Q400, a Bombardier turboprop plane, one of about 40 the airline has in its fleet. The jets' capability was appropriate to the potential task, one of the sources said, without offering details. Russell's family said in a statement that they were stunned and heartbroken. 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. In a statement, the family says Richard Russell, whose nickname was "Beebo," was warm, kind and gentle. 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. 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. They pursued the aircraft before it went down on Ketron Island, between Tacoma and Olympia. I don't know! He was in the air for about an hour. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. Earlier in the flight, Russell says: "This is probably, like, jail time for life, huh? ", First published on August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM. F-15 "pilots kept plane out of harms way and people on ground safe," the sheriff's office tweeted. Russell went by "Beebo" on social media. That includes both domestic and international flights. After Russell performed an unauthorized takeoff, two McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighters were scrambled to intercept the aircraft. He later stole the plane and eventually crashed it into an island in Puget Sound. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The family of a man who authorities saystole an airplane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and later crashed it called him a faithful husband, loving son and good friend. The rest of Mr Russell's time in the air was well documented, thanks to his regular contact with SeaTac's tower. 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. He was immediately killed. 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. While in the air, Meyer, whod been married eight weeks before, called his wife and said, Guess what? At one point he asks the controller, Hey, do you think if I land this successfully, Alaska [Horizon Airs parent company, Alaska Airllines] will give me a job as a pilot? Told, You know, I think they would give you a job doing anything if you could pull this off, Russell replies, Yeah right! 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Investigators on Saturday were trying to retrieve the plane's flight data recorder and its cockpit voice recorder. By Jeff Wise Published: Aug 13, 2018 JASON REDMOND // Getty Images They say says this is a complete shock. Recently fired airline mechanic Armando Nieto Jaramillo, 23, stole a military HS-748 transport plane from Bogot-Eldorado Airport and crashed it soon after takeoff, killing himself and three people on the ground. 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 . 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. 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? Later that day he stole an Alaska Air turboprop aircraft and crashed it into a remote island in Puget Sound.