Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He's worked at Horizon longer than I did, and he still wasn't making $15 an hour, Reeves said. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Air traffic control became suspicious of Mr Russell after he cut in the line for takeoff. The 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 . The plane didn't require a key, but it did require buttons and switches to be activated in a particular order. In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt. While in the air, Meyer, whod been married eight weeks before, called his wife and said, Guess what? 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. "It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did thisJust a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess.". Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. I don't know! We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. 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. He was killed in the crash. 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. "He was a quiet guy," Rick Christenson, an operational supervisor with the airline who retired in Maytold The Seattle Times. I don't want to. Russell was credentialed to be in secure areas at the airport, said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group, which owns Horizon Air. 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. Later that day he stole an Alaska Air turboprop aircraft and crashed it into a remote island in Puget Sound. Richard "Beebo" Russell (Screenshot from YouTube via AP) SEATTLE - The Horizon Air baggage handler who stole a commercial airplane from Sea-Tac Airport and took it for a 73-minute joy ride . Indeed, in transcripts of his conversation with air-traffic control as he zig-zags the stolen plane through the airspace above the 15th-largest city in the U.S. (some of which can be heard in the video above), Russells demeanor goes from awestruck, to giddy, to fearful, to guilty, as he seems to process in real-time the weight of what hes done, and the unlikelihood that hell survive. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 2023 Cable News Network. F-15 fighter jets scrambled to intercept the Q400, which ultimately crashed into Ketron Island, about 30 miles from the airport. But could you start a left-hand turn, please?". As the FBI investigation wrapped up earlier this week, West Pierce Fire and Rescue released some of the first footage from the scene through public disclosure. 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. He said his actions were "going to disappoint" the people who cared for him, and described himself as "just a broken guy" with "a few screws loose, I guess.". CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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 later stole the plane and eventually crashed it into an island in Puget Sound. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. "There is a runway just off to your right side in about a mile," the controller says, reffering to an airfield at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM I was kinda hoping that was going to be it. "Congratulations. Copyright 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. The Q400 is a turboprop aircraft with 76 seats. Like a lot of bags. Some speculated the plane was stolen as part of an insurance scam, or perhaps taken by terrorists who planned to use it as a flying bomb, but the truth remains unknown. But the plane made turns and aerobatic maneuvers that suggest some skill, she 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. "Never really knew it till now," he said. It was a strange day when Horizon Airlines Employee Richard "Beebo" Russell stole a plane in the middle of his working shift. At one point, he apologizes and says he is a "broken guy" with "a few screws loose. He left prison after less than 5 years, on parole. "My husband and I are recently former Boeing employees, and we were wondering why a jet was near the passenger airplane," she said. "Our hearts are with the families of the individual aboard as well as all of our Alaska Air and Horizon Air employees," said Constance von Muehlen, the airline's chief operating officer. I don't know, man! 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. "I lift a lot of bags. Relatives of Richard Russell say they are "stunned and heartbroken" after the airline worker stole a passenger plane Friday from the Seattle-Tacoma . Jeff Wise is a New York-based science journalist specializing in aviation and psychology. "Russell was known as a quiet guy who read a lot," according to one witness statement. May 23, 1969. May 25, 2003. 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. 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. "Oh man. Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. "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. Did you encounter any technical issues? One sketch that he posted included a drawing of a Q400 plane, the same kind of plane involved in Friday's crash. Without communicating to air traffic controllers, he cut off another airplane and then managed to get the plane onto the runway and airborne. 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. Each Thursday Ticket Takeover we giveaway prizes all day for different concerts, events, and more! He is the author of The Plane That Wasn't There: Why We Haven't Found MH370. The plane was a Bombardier Q400, a turboprop that seats 76 people, owned by Horizon Air, part of Alaska Airlines. For one, Russell shouldn't have been able to board the plane alone, he said. "Russell had a few unexcused absences, but nothing considered significant.". An FBI investigation found Alaska Airlines ramp employee Richard Russell intentionally crashed the aircraft after flying for more than an hour. Discovery Company. (AFP/Getty Images) Russell, 29, flew the plane for 75 . 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 the airport and into the 76-seat plane that he flew to his death. / CBS/AP. What happened from then, left a. "You think if I land this successfully, Alaska will give me a job as a pilot?" There were no passengers aboard. A Russian Air Force engineer made off with an Antonov An-26 transport plane from Kubinka Air Force Base near Moscow. "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.". 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "NORAD fighters did not fire upon the aircraft," North American Aerospace Defense Command said Saturday morning in a news release. How was a man able to steal and pilot a plane? 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. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. "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. 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. New video shows crash site of stolen plane. The agency says the 28-year-old's loved ones hosted an intervention for him, who "seemed fine" besides increased drinking. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The man has been identified as Richard Russell, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN on Saturday night. F-15 "pilots kept plane out of harms way and people on ground safe," the sheriff's office tweeted. Because there were no passengers or crew aboard the plane, it wasnt considered a hijacking, and authorities response to the event seems to indicate that nobody ever expected an airport employee to hop in a plane and go for a ride with no apparent intent to terrorize, kill, or even make a greater statement. He said flying was a "blast" and that he didn't need much help: "I've played some video games before.". video Plane crashes near Seattle airport. Also see | Cockpit audio from worker who stole empty plane from Sea-Tac Airport. Jason Silverstein contributed to this report. He was right in saying that there are so many people who have loved him.". 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. They pursued the aircraft before it went down on Ketron Island, between Tacoma and Olympia. He was immediately killed. 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 . 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. . Russell was recorded having multiple conversations with air traffic controllers who were trying to talk him into landing. ", Russell posted collages of photos from his trips around the world, writing that travel was "what keeps me going in the most unfavorable circumstances.". Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. By Louis Lucero II and Melissa Gomez. 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. He had no purpose to be at that plane Friday evening "other than what he did do," Tilden said. ", "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Human remains were found in wake of Friday's tragic plane crash. "There is a protocol to not allow anyone singularly to get onboard an aircraft," Soucie said. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. 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 . 4.3M views 7 months ago A newly released video sheds new light on the moments leading up to Richard Russell crashing a 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. After Russell performed an unauthorized takeoff, two McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighters were scrambled to intercept the aircraft. Padilla and an a recently hired assistant boarded the plane, taxied it to the runway, took off, and head out over the Atlantic Ocean. The King County medical examiner ruled his death a suicide. 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. 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. Despite the timing of the crash during prime fire season, the fires in the video seemed to be small and scattered.
