Air traffic control became suspicious of Mr Russell after he cut in the line for takeoff. 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. I don't need that much help. His responsibilities included towing and pushing aircraft for takeoff and gate approach, de-icing them, and handling baggage. He first can be seen wandering through security, and is spotted again later on the tarmac. 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. Horizon's parent company, Alaska Airlines, refused to comment on claims of workers being overworked or underpaid. Russell took the Q400 from a cargo area at the north end of Sea-Tac Airport on August 10. 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. FBI released more information about Russell and the incident earlier this year, including witness statements from family, friends, and co-workers. "It seemed like he was well liked by the other workers. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. While investigators concluded Russell intentionally crash the plane, his motive still remains a mystery. The Port of Seattle just released the CCTV footage of 29-year-old Richard Russell towing the Alaska Airlines' Q400 Turboprop into position back in 2018 at the Seattle-Tacoma International. [deleted] 5 yr. ago. 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. No one noticed the plane had disappeared until Mr Russell was in the air. Richard Russell, 29, walks through employee security screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Human remains were found in wake of Friday's tragic plane crash. Airline and Seattle airport officials revealed the following at a news conference Saturday: In audio recordings of the incident posted on Broadcastify, Russell can be heard talking to air traffic controllers as they try to guide him to land the plane. 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. 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 . In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt. 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. "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. Colton Harris Moore only got 6 years for stealing a plane and crashing it. Other pilots and SeaTac's tower exchange information about Mr Russell as they quickly realise that something unusual is going on. A Warner Bros. 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. 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 one point, he apologizes and says he is a "broken guy" with "a few screws loose. Jeff Wise is a New York-based science journalist specializing in aviation and psychology. I don't know, man! 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 newly published video, coupled with Rolling Stones detailed reconstruction of the events of August 10, 2018, paint the picture of a cheerful, gregarious fellow. They pursued the aircraft before it went down on Ketron Island, between Tacoma and Olympia. I feel really bad for Richard and for his family. The plane was a Q400, a Bombardier turboprop plane, one of about 40 the airline has in its fleet. 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. When Rolling Stone published its article last year, no major regulatory or security changes had been implemented in response to Russells deadly flight. Meyer had recently been passed over for promotion and had been arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. Having to rely on the ferry system for transport, the first 40 responding firefighters stayed at the scene throughout the night. 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. 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. An air traffic controller called him "Rich," and tried to convince him to land the airplane. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. "So, (he) had some knowledge but clearly wasn't a commercial pilot.". "I always felt bad for the guys and gals who handled luggage. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. A Russian Air Force engineer made off with an Antonov An-26 transport plane from Kubinka Air Force Base near Moscow. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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. "I lift a lot of bags. It wasn't immediately clear what training, if any, Russell had in flying planes. It's gonna be crazy," Mr Russel said. After the plane approached Ketron Island, Waldron saw a thick column of smoke followed by a loud explosion, he said. His 75-minute flight during the golden twilight took him south and west, toward the Olympic Mountains. 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 . Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Weve got the Weekend Ticket Takeover! That includes both domestic and international flights. Also see | 'I was blown away': Stepbrother of man who stole plane speaks out. The agency says the 28-year-old's loved ones hosted an intervention for him, who "seemed fine" besides increased drinking. "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.". Despite the timing of the crash during prime fire season, the fires in the video seemed to be small and scattered. While in the air, Meyer, whod been married eight weeks before, called his wife and said, Guess what? Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. F-15 fighter jets scrambled to intercept the Q400, which ultimately crashed into Ketron Island, about 30 miles from the airport. 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 Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Foote served four and a half months in the brig and later went on to become a test pilot in civilian life. The Q400 is a turboprop aircraft with 76 seats. ", "I've got a lot of people that care about me," the man later said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. Each Thursday Ticket Takeover we giveaway prizes all day for different concerts, events, and more! The plane was a Bombardier Q400, a turboprop that seats 76 people, owned by Horizon Air, part of Alaska Airlines. Photos show first responders that night sleeping outside on the ground. During an exchange with air traffic controllers, Russell mentioned he had some experience using flight simulator software. Win Tickets to KISS at Climate Pledge Arena on November 6, 2023. While searching the crash site, investigators also located human remains among the aircraft materials. Horizon airline employee, 28-year-old Richard 'Bebo' Russell, stole a plane and took off before crashing into remote Pierce County island Russell flew the plane for over an hour before crashing. 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. 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. 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. "The greatest threat we have to aviation is the insider threat," said Erroll Southers, a former FBI agent and transportation security expert. appreciated. 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. Join the Celebration of a Lifetime! SEATTLE -- He cracked jokes, complimented the professional demeanor of an air traffic controller and apologized for making a fuss. The FBI also said it found human remains among the wreckage. MH370 captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah was a flight-sim enthusiast who is known to have taken a simulated flight path similar to the one authorities believe the plane ultimately took into the southern Indian Ocean. 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. "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.". Nah, Im a white guy.. He said flying was a "blast" and that he didn't need much help: "I've played some video games before.". "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. The man has been identified as Richard Russell, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN on Saturday night. He flew until the plane ran out of fuel and died in the ensuing crash. "You think if I land this successfully, Alaska will give me a job as a pilot?" 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! A ground service agent's tasks don't involve touching planes' controls, CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo said. He was immediately killed. Learn about careers at 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, 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. 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. "Russell had a few unexcused absences, but nothing considered significant.". 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. 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. 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. Authorities sent fighter jets to escort him, and the controller repeatedly tried to direct him to runways. 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. Russell responds: "Awwww-right. F-15s were scrambled out of their base at Portland International Airport to intercept the plane. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Russell was credentialed to be in secure areas at the airport, said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group, which owns Horizon Air. 2023 Cable News Network. 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. he joked. "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 Associated Press contributed to this report. / CBS/AP. . Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. The photos provided some of the most compelling images: tree trunks sheared in half by the impact of the crash and parts of the Horizon Air Q400 Turboprop littered throughout the debris field. 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 was recorded having multiple conversations with air traffic controllers who were trying to talk him into landing. 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. "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. One sketch that he posted included a drawing of a Q400 plane, the same kind of plane involved in Friday's crash. The NTSB is now processing the equipment. Lee Callahan in the morning, and the No Repeat Workday while you work! 2. "He was getting really stressed about the financial situation he was in. It was empty, parked at a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport cargo and . The FBI has recovered the flight data recorder and components of the cockpit voice recorder from the Horizon aircraft that crashed onto Ketron Island Friday night. 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. Music from Green Day, Michael Jackson, Queen, Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Madonna, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, and more! In a humorous YouTube video he posted last year, he talked about his job and included videos and photos of his various travels. Copyright 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. By Louis Lucero II and Melissa Gomez. 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. 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. That's just not safe.". 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? among other things. Russell's family said in a statement that they were stunned and heartbroken. "But the air traffic controller had to tell him how to set what they call the 'bugs' -- they're just little, sort of, little levers, or little notches on your indicator for your heading, which is kind of basic. 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. Ben Charles Padilla, an aircraft mechanic who held a private pilots license and was a certified flight engineer, was repairing a 727 airliner in Luanda, Angola for a Florida-based company named Aerospace Sales and Leasing. "We are devastated by these events, and Jesus is truly the only one holding this family together right now. Kathleen Reichel said she watched the planes pass by for about two minutes. He passed a series of background checks to gain his position, as he didn't have any criminal convictions. One sketch that he posted included a drawing of a Q400 plane, the same kind of plane involved in Friday's crash. Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. In a statement, the family says Richard Russell, whose nickname was "Beebo," was warm, kind and gentle. July 4, 1986. Russell, a 3-1/2-year Horizon employee, worked as a ground service agent. Please dont hesitate to utilize this resource. Hell of a crime spree for a 19 year old. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. CNN's Kyung Lah reports.. 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. Authorities said Russell did not have a pilot's license. Officials don't believe Russell had a pilot's license, and they don't know how he knew to fly the plane. 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. New video shows crash site of stolen plane. 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. He said he wanted to create projects showing the contrast between his hard work on the ground and his high-flying free time traveling the globe. Russell repeatedly says he would do a roll. 7 months ago. 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. 4.3M views 7 months ago A newly released video sheds new light on the moments leading up to Richard Russell crashing a plane. But the plane slammed into tiny Ketron Island, a sparsely populated island southwest of Tacoma. I don't want to. Airports nationwide will now look at whether their security procedures need to change, CNN safety analyst David Soucie said. What was the richard russell plane crash story all about. "This is a complete shock to us," the family said in a statement Saturday night. In fact, there have been a number of occurrences in recent decades in which ground personnel made off with aircraft. I hope they can make it through this.". 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. ", First published on August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM. 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. Minimum wage, we'll chalk it up to that. 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 I've played some video games before," Russell responds. Moore stole (or stole and crashed) multiple airplanes, multiple boats, dozens of cars, etc. I mean, I would hope it is, for a guy like me. "It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did thisJust a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess.". Details of man who sources say stole airplane from Sea-Tac, Officials: Man who stole plane, died in crash not a pilot, Woman faces decades in prison after lying about murder, Do you have an investigative story tip? 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. video Plane crashes near Seattle airport. He later stole the plane and eventually crashed it into an island in Puget Sound. 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. 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In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt that says "The Sky's No Limit." The black boxes are now being sent to the National Transportation Safety Board for processing. Padilla and an a recently hired assistant boarded the plane, taxied it to the runway, took off, and head out over the Atlantic Ocean. 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.". He eventually climbs inside the cockpit and fires up the engine.
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