Meyer had recently been passed over for promotion and had been arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. 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. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. "Everyone was literally frozen in place, muttering about what possibly happened," he said. 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. Hell of a crime spree for a 19 year old. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Jason Silverstein contributed to this report. At one point, he apologizes and says he is a "broken guy" with "a few screws loose. 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. "He might have been talking to himself in the cockpit," so the voice recorder may provide additional information that wasn't recorded in radio traffic, she said. An FBI investigation found Alaska Airlines ramp employee Richard Russell intentionally crashed the aircraft after flying for more than an hour. Mr Russell's aerial joyride ultimately ended in a fiery crash on a remote island in Puget Sound. Win Tickets to KISS at Climate Pledge Arena on November 6, 2023. Horizon airline employee, 28-year-old Richard 'Bebo' Russell, stole a plane and took off before crashing into remote Pierce County island It evens out in the end.". 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photos show first responders that night sleeping outside on the ground. 4.3M views 7 months ago A newly released video sheds new light on the moments leading up to Richard Russell crashing a plane. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The worker performed several aerial stunts in the stolen aircraft before ultimately crashing on Ketron Island. 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. 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 . About to take off. 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. August 11, 2018 / 11:29 PM Win Tickets to Weezer with Spoon and White Reaper at White River Amphitheater on August 20th! The incident came about when a 29-year-old man stole an aircraft from Seattle-Tacoma International airport in August 2018. FBI released more information about Russell and the incident earlier this year, including witness statements from family, friends, and co-workers. But the plane slammed into tiny Ketron Island, a sparsely populated island southwest of Tacoma. The incident, which the FBI's Seattle office did not consider terrorism, raises questions about airport security. ", 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. 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. (AFP/Getty Images) Russell, 29, flew the plane for 75 . The NTSB is now processing the equipment. His 75-minute flight during the golden twilight took him south and west, toward the Olympic Mountains. I don't know! July 4, 1986. 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. While searching the crash site, investigators also located human remains among the aircraft materials. 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. Video from a witness on the ground shows the plane at one point pulling up for a loop, putting the aircraft upside-down and then pulling back up just feet above a body of water. First published on August 11, 2018 / 4:48 PM. He was killed in the crash. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "We are devastated by these events, and Jesus is truly the only one holding this family together right now. "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. New video released Wednesday shows what first responders found after a plane stolen from Sea-Tac Airport crashed on a south Puget Sound island last August. 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. Never really knew it until now.". "I always felt bad for the guys and gals who handled luggage. CNN's Kyung Lah reports. Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. Ah, dammit. I feel really bad for Richard and for his family. He's worked at Horizon longer than I did, and he still wasn't making $15 an hour, Reeves said. An air traffic controller called him "Rich," and tried to convince him to land the airplane. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The man has been identified as Richard Russell, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN on Saturday night. The plane was a Bombardier Q400, a turboprop that seats 76 people, owned by Horizon Air, part of Alaska Airlines. Nearby co-workers weren't even aware of Russell's actions, which happened six hours into his shift, according to reporters. "So, (he) had some knowledge but clearly wasn't a commercial pilot.". 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. He did not survive the crash. Newly released video shows the fiery scene firefighters encountered after an airplane stolen from Sea-Tac Airport crashed on Ketron Island. 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. Having to rely on the ferry system for transport, the first 40 responding firefighters stayed at the scene throughout the night. / CBS/AP. He managed to proceed with his plan unmolested largely because no one thought twice about the baggage handler working in the airport's restricted spaces. Later that day he stole an Alaska Air turboprop aircraft and crashed it into a remote island in Puget Sound. 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? He first can be seen wandering through security, and is spotted again later on the tarmac. Not long before the crash, a pilot who'd been helping controllers advise Russell appears to mention the maneuver. I was kinda hoping that was going to be it. SEATTLE -- He cracked jokes, complimented the professional demeanor of an air traffic controller and apologized for making a fuss. I don't know, man! Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. Plus we let you know whats going on locally with Lee Callahans Jacktivities! Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Its the first time that weve had a commercial aircraft stolen off the ramp of an active airport, Steven Armstrong, vice director of operations for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), told Rolling Stone. 2023 Cable News Network. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Neither the men nor the plane has ever been seen again. "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.". On board was 29-year-old Richard Russell, a baggage handler for Horizon Air who is also flying the plane for unknown reason. 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. Authorities sent fighter jets to escort him, and the controller repeatedly tried to direct him to runways. But could you start a left-hand turn, please?". 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! Despite the timing of the crash during prime fire season, the fires in the video seemed to be small and scattered. No one noticed the plane had disappeared until Mr Russell was in the air. 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. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Russell was credentialed to be in secure areas at the airport, said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group, which owns Horizon Air. 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. Join the Celebration of a Lifetime! ", The statement said Russell, 29, was "a faithful husband, a loving son and a good friend. The theft illustrated what aviation experts have long known: One of the biggest potential perils for commercial air travel is airline or airport employees causing mayhem. While in the air, Meyer, whod been married eight weeks before, called his wife and said, Guess what? The King County medical examiner ruled his death a suicide. "Seattle Ground, Horizon Guy. After Russell talked periodically with air traffic controllers for about an hour, the plane crashed at Ketron Island,officials said. 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. An hour and 45 minutes into the flight, Meyer crashed into the English Channel. "He was getting really stressed about the financial situation he was in. The agency said that, had Mr Russell wanted, he could have recovered from the dive. "Nah, I mean, I don't need that much help. The man could be heard on audio recordings telling air traffic controllers that he is "just a broken guy." and last updated 2018-08-12 08:56:01-04. Did you encounter any technical issues? While investigators concluded Russell intentionally crash the plane, his motive still remains a mystery. appreciated. Tragic as Russell's death was, he could have inflicted vastly more damage had he been so inclined. Aug. 12, 2018. Like a lot of bags. May 23, 1969.

An airline employee stole an otherwise unoccupied passenger plane Friday from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and flew it for an hour with military jets chasing him before crashing in a wooded area 40 miles away.

. Richard Russell died in Friday's plane crash. Later, a controller discusses getting a pilot on the radio to help Russell control the aircraft. Please enter valid email address to continue. He was in the air for about an hour. ", First published on August 13, 2018 / 5:34 AM. He was immediately killed. "The greatest threat we have to aviation is the insider threat," said Erroll Southers, a former FBI agent and transportation security expert. Please enter valid email address to continue. It wasn't immediately clear what training, if any, Russell had in flying planes. 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. Kathleen Reichel said she watched the planes pass by for about two minutes. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Im coming home! But it was not to be. 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. Please dont hesitate to utilize this resource. The plane didn't require a key, but it did require buttons and switches to be activated in a particular order. August 22, 1979. Earlier in the flight, Russell says: "This is probably, like, jail time for life, huh? ", "I've got a lot of people that care about me," the man later said. During an exchange with air traffic controllers, Russell mentioned he had some experience using flight simulator software. In the footage, Mr Russell can be seen calmly moving through the airport wearing a black shirt. .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. Richard Russell, 29, walks through employee security screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A ground service agent's tasks don't involve touching planes' controls, CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo said. "I lift a lot of bags. "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.". Richard B. Russell reportedly stole a Horizon Air plane for a joyride before crashing and killing himself near Seattle. The plane had been parked in a maintenance area and was not scheduled for a passenger flight, Tilden said. U.S. Air Force Sergeant Paul Meyer, a 23-year-old crew chief stationed at Mildenhall Air Base in England, stole a C-130 cargo plane and took off. "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.". Even with this new footage at hand, its hard to figure out what made Russell embark on this brazen, fatal adventure. Weve got the Weekend Ticket Takeover! He passed a series of background checks to gain his position, as he didn't have any criminal convictions. An FBI investigation found Alaska Airlines ramp employee Richard Russell intentionally crashed the aircraft after flying for more than an hour. 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. 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 the plane made turns and aerobatic maneuvers that suggest some skill, she said. SeaTac's tower began asking who was piloting the airplane, which culminated in the first of Mr Russell's exchanges with control that day. In a final video project set to cheery music, Russell included selfies from airport grounds and photos from his many trips. 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 . "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. Richard Russell, 29, can be seen at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport driving a pushback tractor with an Alaska Air turboprop attached. 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. By Jeff Wise Published: Aug 13, 2018 JASON REDMOND // Getty Images 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. Author: Elisa Hahn Published: 11/14/2018 5:51:22 PM New video shows crash site of stolen plane. 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 . Russell responds: "Awwww-right. Russell had no piloting experience, but he managed . Lastly, we've been reporting a lot only on the most famous case of suspected pilot suicide, Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, and this weekend's tragedy bears at least a few similarities. 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. 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. Airline officials believe he was in uniform and worked a shift Friday, Tilden said. F-15s were scrambled out of their base at Portland International Airport to intercept the plane. Copyright 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. 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?

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