Copyright 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. and last updated 2018-08-12 08:56:01-04. New video shows crash site of stolen plane. ", "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. Chilling CCTV footage shows Richard Russell stealing plane before fatal While investigators concluded Russell intentionally crash the plane, his motive still remains a mystery. ", The statement said Russell, 29, was "a faithful husband, a loving son and a good friend. 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. After Russell talked periodically with air traffic controllers for about an hour, the plane crashed at Ketron Island,officials said. 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. Authorities said Russell did not have a pilot's license. 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. Minimum wage, we'll chalk it up to that. ", Russell posted collages of photos from his trips around the world, writing that travel was "what keeps me going in the most unfavorable circumstances.". "My husband and I are recently former Boeing employees, and we were wondering why a jet was near the passenger airplane," she said. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. He was right in saying that there are so many people who have loved him.". Maybe that will grease some gears with the higher up, Russell said to air traffic controllers. "I would like to apologize to each and every one of them. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. That's just not safe.". 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 By Louis Lucero II and Melissa Gomez. 2018 Horizon Air Q400 incident - Wikipedia But the plane made turns and aerobatic maneuvers that suggest some skill, she said. He's worked at Horizon longer than I did, and he still wasn't making $15 an hour, Reeves said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. Richard Russell: Man who stole SeaTac plane was warm and compassionate Richard Russell plane crash video from Sea-Tac | wltx.com In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt that says "The Sky's No Limit." "I thought they were practicing for an air show," he said. Russell responds: "Awwww-right. Ultimately the FBI determined that Mr Russell intentionally brought the airplane into a dive onto a small island in Puget Sound, where he died. 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. Enter for your chance to win a visit to the Disneyland Resort with 96.5 JACK FM! FBI recovers flight recorder, Richard Russell's remains from stolen "This is a complete shock to us," the family said in a statement Saturday night. No one noticed the plane had disappeared until Mr Russell was in the air. SEATTLE -- He cracked jokes, complimented the professional demeanor of an air traffic controller and apologized for making a fuss. The agency said that, had Mr Russell wanted, he could have recovered from the dive. 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. The plane was a Q400, a Bombardier turboprop plane, one of about 40 the airline has in its fleet. Family of man who stole, crashed plane 'stunned' - KJRH Having to rely on the ferry system for transport, the first 40 responding firefighters stayed at the scene throughout the night. Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. The FBI also said it found human remains among the wreckage. 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? 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. he joked. Russell had no piloting experience, but he managed . 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. 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. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. CNN's Kyung Lah reports. 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. "It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did thisJust a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess.". Plus we let you know whats going on locally with Lee Callahans Jacktivities! ", 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. Richard Russell: quiet, well-liked Seattle airport worker who stole a plane In a humorous YouTube video he posted last year, he talked about his job and included videos and photos of his various travels. Alaska Airlines flight 261 took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on the morning of August 10, 2018. The worker performed several aerial stunts in the stolen aircraft before ultimately crashing on Ketron Island. New Footage Shows Moments Before Seattle Man Crashed Plane in - YouTube 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. You did that. Richard Russell died in Friday's plane crash. Horizon's parent company, Alaska Airlines, refused to comment on claims of workers being overworked or underpaid. May 23, 1969. Also see | 'I was blown away': Stepbrother of man who stole plane speaks out. 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. The incident is bizarre and tragic, but it is not unprecedented. 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. Authorities sent fighter jets to escort him, and the controller repeatedly tried to direct him to runways. 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. The FBI will lead the investigation, said Eckrote, the NTSB regional chief. Video from 2018 shows final moments of Sea-Tac Airport worker - KOMO While in the air, Meyer, whod been married eight weeks before, called his wife and said, Guess what? Richard Russell said he didn't need much help: 'I've played some video The Q400 is a turboprop aircraft with 76 seats. August 11, 2018 / 11:29 PM Please dont hesitate to utilize this resource. 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. 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. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much CNN's Kyung Lah reports.. Earlier in the flight, Russell says: "This is probably, like, jail time for life, huh? 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. First published on August 11, 2018 / 4:48 PM. He was immediately killed. Never really knew it until now.". Russell repeatedly says he would do a roll. An air traffic controller called him "Rich," and tried to convince him to land the airplane. 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. A Russian Air Force engineer made off with an Antonov An-26 transport plane from Kubinka Air Force Base near Moscow. 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. Richard Russell, 29, walks through employee security screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. F-15 fighter jets scrambled to intercept the Q400, which ultimately crashed into Ketron Island, about 30 miles from the airport. 2023 Cable News Network. 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. Airports nationwide will now look at whether their security procedures need to change, CNN safety analyst David Soucie said. Just a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess. President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident and is monitoring the situation, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Saturday morning. Russell, 29 is presumed dead. Air traffic control became suspicious of Mr Russell after he cut in the line for takeoff. Human remains were found in wake of Friday's tragic plane crash. 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. Richard Russell: Details emerge of a 'compassionate' man after Seattle plane heist and fiery crash By Alex Horton August 13, 2018 at 8:01 a.m. EDT A Horizon Air employee described as. It was a strange day when Horizon Airlines Employee Richard "Beebo" Russell stole a plane in the middle of his working shift. Author: Elisa Hahn Published: 11/14/2018 5:51:22 PM Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. July 13, 1994. 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. among other things. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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.". About to take off. Photos show first responders that night sleeping outside on the ground. Russell's family said in a statement that they were stunned and heartbroken. Like a lot of bags. appreciated. Remains of airline worker who stole, crashed plane found on island in I mean, I would hope it is, for a guy like me. He left prison after less than 5 years, on parole. I was kinda hoping that was going to be it. So many bags," he said. "The greatest threat we have to aviation is the insider threat," said Erroll Southers, a former FBI agent and transportation security expert. Win Tickets to Weezer with Spoon and White Reaper at White River Amphitheater on August 20th! The jets were not involved in the crash, it said. 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. I feel really bad for Richard and for his family. I've played some video games before," Russell responds. 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. Win Tickets to KISS at Climate Pledge Arena on November 6, 2023. Russell echoed those claims in his last conversation with air traffic control. 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. August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM 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,. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. 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. If you miss out on Thursday, no worries! Join the Celebration of a Lifetime! I hope they can make it through this.". After the plane approached Ketron Island, Waldron saw a thick column of smoke followed by a loud explosion, he said. 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. The agency says the 28-year-old's loved ones hosted an intervention for him, who "seemed fine" besides increased drinking. Russell was recorded having multiple conversations with air traffic controllers who were trying to talk him into landing. 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 . He later stole the plane and eventually crashed it into an island in Puget Sound. 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. I've played some video games before, he said. Even with this new footage at hand, its hard to figure out what made Russell embark on this brazen, fatal adventure.