richard russell plane

Officials were quick to point out that Russell, an employee of three and a half years with Alaska Airlines regional subsidiary Horizon Air, passed the background checks necessary to handle baggage and clean aircraft. 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.\"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. Authorities say he had worked Friday, and was in uniform, when he got into the cockpit of a Horizon Airlines Bombardier Q400 plane and took off for an hourlong joyride. Failing to convince Hannah of Alaskas greatness, we settled on Sumner because of its close proximity to her family., Richard added, I, meanwhile, obtained a job working for Horizon Airlines (partnered with Alaska Airlines) so Im able to fly to Alaska at my leisure. That means I lift a lot of bags, he said. Other audio reported a ground stop was underway at SeaTac, the airport that services Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. I was dead set against it. Their business contained a sign that read, I have loved you with an everlasting love. \"He was a quiet guy,\" Rick Christenson, an operational supervisor with the airline who retired in May told The Seattle Times. Apparently someone stole a plane from SeaTac? We believe there are no passengers on board. At one point, an air traffic controller asked if Mr. Russell felt comfortable flying. It may seem difficult for those watching at home to believe, but Beebo was a warm, compassionate man, the statement said. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. In a frantic, seven-second dash, the husky. It may seem difficult for those watching at home to believe, but Beebo was a warm, compassionate man, the statement read. In the chilling recording, he revealed he was a "broken man" and apologised to the air traffic controller. I got a lot of people that care about me. I just thought it was another one of his jokes, Fan said. Richard Russell, a ground control agent, died after he stole the plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in August 2018 and drove it into the ground of a remote island in the Puget. I just want you to whisper sweet nothings into my ear, said Rich, who claimed he could fly the plane because he played video games. He wrote on the blog that he met his wife, Hannah, in Oregon when they were both attending school. Below are some of the clips. SeaTac airport., Morgan Chesky, a reporter for KOMO News, wrote, Per JBLM source: After being contacted by F-15s, stolen plane began to nose dive, crashing in north Pierce County., NTSB investigator Debra Eckrote held a Saturday morning press conference, the day after the crash, and indicated that investigators are trying to determine what his process was and where the aircraft was going. She identified Rich as ground support so, you know, they have access to aircraft, and described it as lucky that the plane crashed on a very underpopulated island.. Just a broken guy, got a few screws loose I guess. Russells death and the dramatic moments that preceded it a passenger plane trailed by F-15 fighter jets cutting rolls against the setting sun left those who knew him stunned and saddened. Later crashes the plane on an remote island near Seattle. But four former ground-service agents who worked with him keyed in on one line from the cockpit recording, a complaint about wages and a dig at management. field office in Seattle, which is leading the investigation, said it would cast a wide net in finding out what happened and why. 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 south-west of the airport. But is true.., Here is a statement from the family of Richard Russell, the Horizon Air employee who stole a plane, crashed it into Ketron Island.This is a complete shock to us. \"I lift a lot of bags. Like a lot of bags. Russell was a ground agent who had limited access to planes and towing equipment. Authorities say he was. richard russell audio transcript. \"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. Damnit Andrew, peoples lives are at stake here, Rich said at one point in the audio, which you can listen to later in this article. On Facebook, his favorite quotes were religious in nature, including, God IS Love and No Guilt in Life, No Fear in Death, this is the Power of Christ in Me, and a non religious line, This is America.. Mr. Russell and his wife were active church members, Mr. Orr said, so he doesnt really fit the bill of someone who would steal an airplane., Funniest person in the room, he added. It read: This is a complete shock to us. Fan, Russells childhood friend, remains in disbelief that his friend actually did this. I got a lot of people that care about me, and its going to disappoint them to hear that I did this, Mr. Russell could be heard saying. The Russell he knew had always been a jokester, the class clown. MECHANIC Richard Russell stole a passenger plane before performing loop-the-loops and crashing into an island. On social media, Richard Russell used the name Beebo Russell. Although authorities have not released his name, The Seattle Times identified the man as Richard Russell. I hope they can make it through this. He said that airline employees go through background checks. 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,. FBI: Richard Russell, who stole plane from Sea-Tac, acted alone, crashed on purpose; motive a mystery . Quite a scary experience. During exchanges with air-traffic controllers, captured by aviation journalist Jon Ostrower, Russell repeatedly referred to his experience with computerized flight-simulator programs or what he called video games. They dont necessarily use a key, so theres switches that they use to start the aircraft, she said. However, late in the evening of August 10, 2018, tower audio indicated that some planes were being released. Here's how. So many bags,\" he said.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. The plane didn't require a key, but it did require buttons and switches to be activated in a particular order. Russell, 29, who worked for Horizon Air as a ground service agent, took off in an empty Q400 turboprop plane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport without authorization at around 7:30 p.m.. In his call to air traffic controllers, the man also described himself as having a "few screws loose" but didn't realise until now. The plane was a Bombardier Q400, a turboprop that seats . Russell, who was widely identified as the pilot on Saturday morning, was the sole victim in the crash. 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. I would like to apologize to each and every one of them. Seattle-Tacoma Intl. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Its going to disappoint them to hear I did this, he hauntingly said before his death. "In this season of life, we enjoy exploring as much as possible, whether its a day (or so) trip to one of Alaska Airlines destinations or visiting a new area of Washington," he wrote. SEATTLE -- He cracked jokes, complimented the professional demeanor of an air traffic controller and apologized for making a fuss. So many bags," he said. The recordings reveal that when a controller asked Russell if he need help controlling the aircraft, he responded, I dont need that much help. We are going to be thorough, which means taking the time needed to scour the area, delve into the background of the individual believed responsible, and review every aspect of this incident with all appropriate public and private partners, the office said in a statement. Minimum wage, well chalk it up to that, Russell said on the flight radio to air traffic controllers. Russells family has declined to comment beyond a statement issued the day after the crash. The audio between the man known as Rich and air traffic controllers further captured his demeanor. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Couple killed in plane crash during 400-mile trip: Doing what they loved, Russian military jet explodes in midair before crashing into lake, Business jet pitched wildly, killing 1, amid cockpit warnings: NTSB. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt. In the article, Russell described himself as laid back and easy going. Profile emerges of ground service agent, 29, who had passed background checks to get a job at Horizon Air, Ive got a lot of people that care about me. There were no passengers aboard. Facebook Ive played some video games before.. Originally published November 9, 2018 at 10:22 am Updated November 9, 2018 at 1:24 pm I think Im gonna try to do a barrel roll, and if that goes good, Im just gonna nose down and call it a night., Hannah Russell: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know. I was dead set against it. Their business contained a sign that read, I have loved you with an everlasting love. 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. Rich, you said you had 2100 pounds of fuel left? the controller responded. On what is believed to be his personal blog, Richard Russell said he was born in Key West, Florida, and moved to Alaska at age seven. Richard Russell, AKA Rich or Beebo Russell, was named as the airport mechanic who stole a Horizon plane at Sea-Tac and crashed it. He said flying was a "blast" and that he didn't need much help: "I've played some video games before.". We are aware of an incident involving an unauthorized take-off of a Horizon Air Q400. A 2012 article in the World described how Russell met his wife. A week after Richard Russell stole a Horizon plane from Sea-Tac Airport and crashed it on Ketron Island, there are few hints about why he did it or how he was able to fly the aircraft. Tower, you need to call and scramble now, one pilot warned, according to the video. \"Most importantly,\" he said in a voice over about his job, \"I get to visit those I love most. On social media, Richard Russell quickly became something of a folk hero, but people also felt sadness and empathy for his pain and his plight. You can watch the video above. I hope they can make it through this.". Tue 12 July 2022 11:09, UK. Russell was studying for a degree in social sciences from Washington State University and wanted to move his way up to manager level in his company. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Audio captured emotional conversations between the man, named as Rich, and air traffic controllers trying to help him land safely. Russell says on the blog that he liked his job because it allowed him to travel back to Alaska to see his family. I hope they can make it through this.\" 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. Richard Russell The airline employee who stole a commercial plane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Friday night and flew it through the skies before crashing it, killing himself, has been identified by colleagues as Richard "Beebo" Russell. Its going to disappoint them to hear that I did this.. Authorities said Russell was suicidal. Russell's family said they weredevastated in a short statement. Ive got a lot of people that care about me. Like, a lot of bags. "I feel really bad for Richard and for his family. She posted a series of selfies showing the couple on various adventures. 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.\"Russell posted collages of photos from his trips around the world, writing that travel was \"what keeps me going in the most unfavorable circumstances.\"One sketch that he posted included a drawing of a Q400 plane, the same kind of plane involved in Friday's crash. I enjoy the flexibility of the schedule and the flight benefits, one co-worker told Russell. Russells family released a statement to the news media expressing great shock and remembering Russell for his compassion. The Pierce County Sheriff wrote on Twitter, Stolen horizon airplane crashed into Ketron island. Authorities said they dont think he had a pilots license and arent sure how he was able to take off, much less perform complicated tricks in the air like a barrel roll. At one point, Russell told a controller he had played a lot of video games. We are working back ground on him now, the Pierce County Sheriff wrote. Never really knew it, until now, Richard Russell said at one point. Details of the apparent suicide were still emerging on Saturday, and no evidence of Russells motivations had been publicized beyond statements he made to air traffic controllers trying to coax him down. \"I always felt bad for the guys and gals who handled luggage. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The incident led to a dramatic and tragic night on August 10, 2018, as aircraft were grounded at Sea-Tac while fighter jets followed the man and air traffic controllers tried unsuccessfully to help him land the aircraft. There were no passengers aboard. Russell, a 3-1/2-year Horizon employee, worked as a ground service agent. Richard Russell had a website that appears to have been for a college communications class. Richard Russell had a website that appeared to have been for a college communications class. Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) August 11, 2018, People posted photos and videos to Twitter of a plume of smoke and possible crash site. You had people up working in the restaurants, everybody else at the airport made $15.. "As the voice recording show, Beebo's intent was not to harm anyone and he was right in saying that there are so many people who loved him," the statement read. My names Richard Russell, Im 27 and currently living in Sumner, WA with my incredible wife Hannah. An airline employee stole an empty plane that he eventually crashed into an island near Seattle's Sea-Tac airport. He played athletics in high school in Wasilla, Alaska. More recently, he listed his occupation as operations agent for Horizon Air at Sea-Tac since April 2018. 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 I would like to dedicate this blog to the life of a ramper and highlight the remarkable contrast between our work and rest.. The 2023 Met Gala theme explained, Met Gala 2023 looks: See photos of the show-stopping red carpet arrivals, Mother stung over 75 times by bees but her "quick thinking" saves kids, King Charles III's net worth and where his wealth comes from. One Horizon flight attendant said she expected to see and hear from management the day after the heist and crash. Richard Russell, 29, hijacked a 76-seater plane from Seattle-Tacoma on Friday He flew around as an air traffic controller calmly tried to reason with him A recording of their conversation. The plane was a Bombardier Q400, a turboprop that seats 76 people, owned by Horizon Air, part of Alaska Airlines. A 2012 article in the World described how Russell met his wife. Here's what we know about the mechanic who joked with air traffic controllers before crashing the jet into a small island. Seattle Times staff reporters Lewis Kamb and Agueda Pacheco-Flores and news researcher Miyoko Wolf contributed to this report. Authorities don't know why he took the plane, but he could be heard on audio recordings telling air traffic controllers that he is "just a broken guy.". Ah, Rich, dont say stuff like that, the controller said. He moved to Coos Bay, Oregon, attending Southwestern Oregon Community College, where he met Hannah Stracener at a church gathering in 2010. The NTSB is now processing the equipment. I dont want to hurt no one. I dont know how he achieved the experience he did.. ", First published on August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM. He was a faithful husband, a loving son, and a good friend. Mike Criss, a family friend, whose son had been close friends with Russell since second grade, saidthat hed last talked to Russell in February. The chilling footage of his final moments next shows Russell jumping onto the plane and presumably getting into the cockpit. It was all over in about an hour. He also included photos of his wedding and traveling he'd done in the mountains and other sites he'd seen, including some ancient ruins. The plane came down in a fiery crash on Ketron Island, about 30 miles from the airport. His plane, a Piper . 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. We know who he is. He was right in saying that there are so many people who have loved him.. Periodically, his voice cut into the dispatches. He was always happy, every time we saw him, it was like he had these giant ear-to-ear grins, Fan said. Before takeoff, the pilot explains someone stole an airplane, and is flying around near Mt. While many visible aspects of commercial flight that affect the routines of passengers have been hardened, parts of the system that are behind the scenes, but just as important to public safety as cockpit doors and screening machines, remain vulnerable. Russell was a ground-service agent at Horizon, part of a two-person tow team that turned around airplanes. Latest update from tower indicates no interest on his part to land the plane. par | Avr 28, 2023 | how did gloria charles died | horseheads town court | Avr 28, 2023 | how did gloria charles died | horseheads town court I feel really bad for Richard and for his family. It makes me cringe,"he said. It was hard to sleep last night. Video showed the Horizon Air Q400 doing large loops and other dangerous maneuvers as the sun set on the Puget Sound. Ah, Rich, dont say stuff like that, the controller said. Officials said the jet has since crashed after it was followed by F-15 fighter jets A \"SUICIDAL\" airline mechanic stole an empty Horizon Air plane from Sea-Tac International Airport and was chased by military jets before crashing into a small island. Just a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Russell flew the plane around Seattle for an hour while National, New Video Shows Man Stealing Horizon Air Plane In 2018 Incident, 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 airline employee, 28-year-old Richard 'Bebo' Russell, stole a plane and took off before crashing into remote Pierce County island Im glad youre not, you know, screwing up everyone elses day on account of me., He said he hoped to have a moment of serenity in the air but lamented that the sights went by so fast.. Alio Fan woke up last Saturday morning and clicked on a voice recording someone had sent him. 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. Richard B. Russell, a ground service agent at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. More: How did an airline worker manage to steal a commercial aircraft? Just the same old Beebo.. Thanks for contacting us. 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. By Kirk Johnson,Jacey Fortin and Christina Caron. Richard Russell, who dreamed of being in the military and once ran a bakery with his wife, was identified as the suicidal airport ground services worker who stole an airplane from Sea-Tac. The 29-year-old worked for Horizon Air, helping to handle luggage and towing aircraft. It seemed like he was well liked by the other workers. Airplane theft, as opposed to hijacking taking over control in flight, with passengers aboard is actually not uncommon, though it usually involves private aircraft, not commercial airliners. After Russell performed an unauthorized takeoff, two McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighters were scrambled to intercept the aircraft. In a video Russell made, he focused on the flight benefits that came with his job, which he used for a trip to France and frequent trips home to Alaska. Without Him we would be hopeless. Russell also mentions his job at Horizon in the blog. So if the person has basic understanding from what I understand he was support personnel, ground personnel they probably do have at least a basic understanding on how to start the aircraft.. Normal operations at Sea-Tac Airport have resumed. Tragic as Russell's death was, he could have inflicted vastly more damage had he been so inclined. \"It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did thisJust a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess.\" Authorities said Russell did not have a pilot's license. #seatac., A woman named Robanne Stading wrote on Twitter, #seatac airport is on a ground halt because evidently a mechanic is flying an unauthorized flightseeing trip around the mtns. Listening to the audio recordings, I feel nothing but sadness for Rich, for the man who stole that plane at #SeaTac and committed suicide. Airport (@flySEA) August 11, 2018. Sea-Tac airport confirmed the plane was down a short time later. At one point, Rich reported that he threw up all over the cockpit, according to the audio. Ed Troyer, a spokesman for the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, said on Twitter the man was suicidal and there was no connection to terrorism. The family thanked authorities, Alaskair, the community and Russells friends and family. "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. 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. Speaking with the Seattle Times, one of Russells former co-workers described him as a quiet, well-liked young man. Who was Richard Russell? He said he met "Hannah" in Coos Bay . Not entirely sure whats happening. We are devastated by these events and Jesus is truly the only one holding this family together right now. pic.twitter.com/5z4BYRBrcU, Kierra Elfalan (@KierraElfalanTV) August 12, 2018. He was in the air for about an hour. Well chalk it up to that. We decided to sell and move in 2015, because we were both so far removed from our families. How did an airline worker manage to steal a commercial aircraft? Well chalk it up to that. This is going to be hilarious.'. He never talked about any mental-health issues, Fan said. An airline employee conducted an unauthorized takeoff without passengers at Sea-Tac; aircraft has crashed in south Puget Sound. The records say 28-year-old Alaska Airlines ground worker Richard Russell of Sumner, Washington, entered the empty turboprop passenger aircraft about 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 as it sat on an airport. Richard Russell Plane Crash Video From Seattle, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. The audio between the man known as Rich and air traffic controllers further captured his demeanor. "Its chilling listening to this young man. Before he took off, several people at the airport questioned what was going on. Damnit Andrew, peoples lives are at stake here, Rich said at one point in the audio, which you can listen to later in this article. Sea-Tac airport confirmed the plane was down a short time later. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. At a news conference on Saturday, Mike Mathews, a family friend, read a statement on behalf of Mr. Russells family. Powered by. Those were among Richard Russells last words to a Seattle air traffic controller on Friday night before the 29-year-old airline employee crashed a stolen Alaska Airlines plane into a near-deserted island in Puget Sound.

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